House of Commons Debates

VOLUME 148 ● NUMBER 191 ● 1st SESSION ● 42nd PARLIAMENT

OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD)

Friday, June 9, 2017

Speaker: The Honourable Geoff Regan CONTENTS (Table of Contents appears at back of this issue.) 12397

HOUSE OF COMMONS

Friday, June 9, 2017

The House met at 10 a.m. sector above Quebec's laws. With the infrastructure bank, after an order of the government, agricultural zoning, environmental protections, and municipal bylaws will no longer apply. This raises serious constitutional issues. Prayer For a private construction project to be exempt from Quebec law, ● (1005) an old colonial-inspired power must be invoked, namely, declaratory [Translation] power, but that needs to be done by Parliament on a project-by- project basis. Bill C-44 therefore invokes the government's power The Speaker: The member for Montcalm has given notice of a over public property to federalize the bank's projects. However, we question of privilege. are not talking about public property. We are talking about private PRIVILEGE investors. Bill C-44 may be unconstitutional. The Quebec National Assembly is unanimously opposed to this bill and the Government RIGHTS OF NON-RECOGNIZED PARTIES of Quebec is prepared to challenge it in court. Mr. Luc Thériault (Montcalm, BQ): Mr. Speaker, today we begin our last day of debate on Bill C-44, and all we have left is two I know what you are thinking, Mr. Speaker. You are thinking that I hours and fifteen minutes. am raising a point of debate. You are partly right. This issue definitely deserves to be debated, but that debate will never happen We will not have an opportunity to speak at third reading because because the Bloc Québécois, the only party to raise this issue, would we are 34th in line at the eleventh hour of debate. I therefore submit not be able to participate because of the discriminatory rules of the to you that my parliamentary privilege has been violated. What had House. not yet happened three days ago is happening now. Time allocation is preventing a political party from speaking on a bill. In your June 6 ruling, you said that you cannot go against the will I would like to remind you that last month I raised a question of of the House. I find that unfortunate, but I understand. That being privilege about the government's plan to use more closure motions, said, it is not time allocation motions alone that exclude the Bloc thereby preventing members of non-recognized parties from Québécois and the Green Party from debate. It is time allocation participating in debate, stifling diversity of opinion, and basically motions and the fact that we are relegated to 34th place in the bypassing the views and interests Bloc Québécois voters in what speaking order. looks an awful lot like democracy denied. Mr. Speaker, the hypothetical question that was asked three days In your ruling of June 6, 2017, you recognized that my concerns ago has become a reality today. I am asking you to find that my were legitimate: parliamentary privileges have been violated. I am asking you to The privilege of freedom of speech is undoubtedly the most important right review the speaking order for debates in the House to ensure that all accorded to members of this House. points of view can be heard, despite the repeated gag orders. That is the basis of our democracy. I am asking that all parties, recognized or However, you refused to fully endorse my arguments: not, be able to speak in the House in the first round of speeches. As the member's claims are more speculative in nature at this point, it would be premature and presumptive for the Chair to rule based on assumptions of what might The Speaker: I thank the hon. member for Montcalm for his transpire. question of privilege. I note that he took the opportunity to include Well, now we are no longer speculating. Things that had not yet some aspects of the arguments concerning the bill being debated transpired three days ago are happening today. The Bloc Québécois today. He cited a portion of my June 6 ruling, but I invite him to will not be able to speak to Bill C-44, the budget implementation reread the ruling in its entirety. In it, I indicated the following: bill, the most important bill of the parliamentary session. However, the Bloc Québécois is the only party that caught one worrisome The privilege of freedom of speech is undoubtedly the most important right accorded to members of this House. At the same time, there is an important aspect of the bill. distinction to be made between the right to freedom of speech and the right to participate in the proceedings of the House and its committees. Asked to rule on the By giving the infrastructure bank the status of agent of the crown, right of members to make statements in the House pursuant to Standing Order 31, my even on projects that are entirely private, Bill C-44 puts the financial predecessor stated on April 23, 2013, at page 15800 of Debates: 12398 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Government Orders “...there are inherent limits to the privilege of freedom of speech. Aside from the a team that was separate from the Library of Parliament, with the well-known prohibitions on unparliamentary language, the need to refer to other authority to report directly to Parliament. It would expand the PBO's members by title, the rules on repetition and relevance, the sub judice constraints and other limitations designed to ensure that discourse is conducted in a civil and right to access government information and would give the office a courteous manner, the biggest limitation of all is the availability of time.” new mandate to provide costing platform proposals during elections so that voters could make informed decisions based on an I thank hon. members for their attention. independent financial analysis.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS The government believes that the work of the PBO is fundamental ● (1010) to Parliament's ability to debate and to consider the economic and [English] fiscal considerations of the day. That is why we listened and took action when we heard that more could be done to further strengthen BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION ACT, 2017, NO. 1 the PBO's independence. The government took action by introducing Hon. Carla Qualtrough (for the Minister of Finance) moved 12 amendments to Bill C-44 at the House of Commons finance that Bill C-44, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget committee that would further strengthen the mandate of the PBO. I tabled in Parliament on March 22, 2017 and other measures, be read would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the the third time and passed. committee, in both this place and on the Senate side, for the work they did and also for the collaboration in improving this legislation. It was through their efforts and those amendments that were brought Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Parliamentary Secretary to the forward that we found broad support. In fact, The Globe and Mail Minister of Finance, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure reported that “The government has placed Canada’s PBO on strong to speak today about the budget implementation act, also known as legislative footing.” Bill C-44. Passage of the bill would implement the next chapter of the government's plan to strengthen the economy and grow the middle class. It would allow the government to continue making the necessary targeted investments that would create jobs, grow the I want to turn now to some major elements of Bill C-44, starting economy, and provide more opportunities for Canadians. with a priority I know members of this House broadly support. One A strong and growing middle class is the engine of our economy, of the best ways we can bring confidence back to the middle class is and truly it is our highest priority. by investing in public infrastructure to build stronger communities. [Translation]

When we were elected, we promised Canadians that we would [Translation] make middle class families our priority and that is what we have done. We began by asking the wealthiest 1% to pay a bit more so that we could give a tax cut to the middle class. We then introduced the new Canada child benefit. This non-taxable benefit is much These days, governments around the world are facing a challenge. simpler, more generous, and better targeted to those who need it than They have to figure out how to finance and build huge public works the former system, the universal child care benefit. projects that are efficient, dynamic, affordable, and, most impor- [English] tantly, long-lasting. We then reached a historic agreement with the provinces to help people retire with more dignity, by strengthening the Canada pension plan. We went even further to support Canadian families by ● (1015) investing $6 billion over 10 years for home care and $5 billion over 10 years for support for mental health initiatives. With the passage of Bill C-44, the government would provide funding for the first year [English] for home care and mental health services to provinces and territories that have accepted the federal offer of $11 billion over the next 10 years. The steps we have taken to date are having a real, positive impact This is why the government has laid out a historic plan to invest on our economy and on Canadians as a whole. more than $180 billion in infrastructure over the next 12 years. This investment will be unprecedented in Canadian history and will come The steps we would be taking through Bill C-44 would have a at a time when we need it most. However, no level of government positive impact on our parliamentary budget officer, also known as can accomplish this ambitious infrastructure goal alone. The the PBO. Our government is committed to openness and Government of Canada will invest in a historic infrastructure plan, transparency. That is why we have taken steps to strengthen the so we set our sights on a new kind of partnership, the kind that can PBO in ways to make the office truly independent. Bill C-44 would leverage the strength of private sector investors and put their skills, recast the head of the PBO as an officer of Parliament, supported by talent, and capital to work for Canadians. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12399

Government Orders Bill C-44 would enact the Canada infrastructure bank act, which Liberals and Conservatives, raised issues that the government has, as would establish the new Canada infrastructure bank as a crown a result, given additional consideration and careful consideration. corporation. The bank would amplify federal investments by bridging private sector and institutional investors at the table. In the case of infrastructure bank, the Minister of Finance was Through this new bank, we would work with our partners to build pleased to appear on May 31 to answer questions from the Senate world-class infrastructure that would transform communities, create Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce. I would like good jobs, and build a stronger and greener economy. By to recognize the work of this committee, and its members as well, establishing a new organization capable of working with the private who went above and beyond to study this legislation. Once again, it sector where it makes sense, public dollars would go further and be was a job very well done. used in a smarter, more targeted manner, transforming communities Again, I would like to thank the Senate for the benefit of its with projects that would not otherwise be built without the bank. To prestudy, and note for the record that this scrutiny has informed the this end, the bank would only make investments in infrastructure government's deliberation in advance of Bill C-44's passage. projects that were in the public interest. I have to underline that. The bank would work with partners to determine whether projects were Beyond all of the bricks and mortar, people really are at the heart suitable candidates, including whether project sponsors were willing of our plan. Last year, the government held broad-based consulta- to consider robust revenue models and partnering with private tions on how to improve the labour market transfer agreements, investors in a new way. As a result, we would see more innovative including the labour market development agreements. approaches for large and transformational types of projects, and we would build more of them. ● (1020) [Translation] The bank would also have strong governance protocols for accountability and risk management. The bank would be structured One of the main messages we heard during the consultation is that as an arm's-length corporation. these agreements have to be more flexible and do a better job of [Translation] taking into account the diverse needs of employers and Canadians. Despite being at arm's length, the Canada infrastructure bank will That is why we are planning to reform these agreements together be accountable to the government and Parliament through an with the provinces and territories. appropriate minister. The bank will be required to seek government [English] approval for its business plan every year and submit its annual report to Parliament. It will also be accountable to the Auditor General and This reform will ensure that more Canadians get the assistance a private sector auditor, which is the highest accountability standard they need to find and keep good jobs in the new economy, and build applicable to crown corporations. better lives for themselves and their families. We want to help In addition, the minister responsible and Parliament will undertake Canadians get the training they need so that their first job is a great a five-year review of the bank's enabling legislation and its job, and their next job is an even better one. That is why we are implementation. taking steps to help working parents, who must balance the demands of raising a family while managing their own career needs in this [English] time of transition. The government would be responsible for setting the overall Bill C-44 would allow parents to choose to receive El parental policy direction and high-level investment priorities. In addition, the benefits over an extended period of time, up to 18 months, at a lower bank would work with all orders of government as well as investors benefit rate of 33% of the average weekly earnings. It also proposes to identify the pipeline of potential projects and potential investment to do more to provide greater flexibility to pregnant working women, opportunities. giving them the option of claiming El maternity benefits up to 12 With the Canada infrastructure bank, Canadians will enjoy the weeks before their due date, expanded from the current standard of advantage of transformational infrastructures built to meet their eight weeks, if they choose to do so. needs and that help their communities thrive. Budget 2017 also takes action to support those who have put their I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Senate for its lives on the line to make Canada a safe and secure place to live. Our thorough prestudy of Bill C-44, which the government followed with women and men in uniform deserve a successful transition to close interest, particularly as it pertained to the Canada infrastructure civilian life. bank. I would like to thank Senator Harder and the government representatives in the Senate, as well as Senator Woo, the First, we will create a new education and training benefit. This independent senator sponsoring this legislation. They have done benefit will provide more money for veterans to go to college, tremendous work. university, or take a technical course at a technical school after they complete their service. Under the program, as of April 2018, The scrutiny and the in-depth study that the Senate applied to Bill veterans with six years of eligible service would be entitled to up to C-44 has been an important element in our parliamentary process. $40,000 of benefits, while veterans with more than 12 years of Their work has informed our deliberation by providing us with the eligible service would be entitled to up to $80,000 of benefits. That benefits of independent legislative review during the course of the is tremendous. This legislation will also facilitate the redesign of the House proceedings. Senators, including independents and Senate career transition services program. 12400 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Government Orders This program will equip veterans, Canadian Armed Forces [English] members, survivors, and veterans' spouses and common-law partners with the tools they need to successfully navigate and transition to the civilian workforce. The services offered would be expanded to I urge all members to support this bill and to work with us on include coaching and job placement, starting in April 2018, all of those portions of it that could benefit from our own views and ideas, which would be provided through a national contractor. so that at the end of the day we meet the high standards and expectations that Canadians have put on us. [Translation] Finally, Bill C-44 will provide very generous assistance to family Mr. Ziad Aboultaif (Edmonton Manning, CPC): Mr. Speaker, caregivers in recognition of the essential role they play in helping ill on page 252 of the 2017 budget, the personal income tax is projected and injured veterans. This tax-free monthly benefit will replace the to grow by about 7% in 2018. However, if the government is taxing existing family caregiver relief benefit and will be paid directly to Canadians less, why is the projection of personal income tax family caregivers. growing by such a big margin, to 7%, in 2018? I would like to have [English] clarification on this if possible.

I want to stress that we understand that the job is not yet done and Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor: Mr. Speaker, our government was more needs to be done. elected on a promise to help middle-class Canadians and those Veterans and stakeholders have told us that the existing suite of working hard to join it. The first thing that our government actioned programs is complex and difficult to navigate, and that is simply not when we formed government was lowering taxes for middle-class good enough. We intend to take additional action to streamline and Canadians. We also increased taxes for the wealthiest 1%. We put in simplify the system of financial support programs currently offered place a very generous Canada child benefit program to make sure we to veterans over the coming months. This is certainly a priority for could help Canadian families in need, such as those families who this government. That will include fulfilling our commitment to re- need help to support their kids. This is exactly what we have done. establishing lifelong pensions as an option for injured veterans, so We have also put some very important measures in place with that veterans and their families can decide for themselves which respect to helping our senior population. form of compensation works best for them. Also, recognizing that all families, military or not, must some- All of these measures put together have been put in place to times become caregivers to their relatives, the government has ensure we can help Canadian families succeed, which is exactly what announced a new Canada caregiver credit program. Bill C-44 we have been doing and what we will continue to do. proposes to simplify the existing tax support for caregivers by replacing three credits with a single new credit. [Translation] [Translation] Ms. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (Salaberry—Suroît, NDP): Mr. This new non-refundable tax credit will provide better support to Speaker, I would like to remind my colleague that the Liberals those who need it. It will go to family caregivers regardless of roundly criticized the Conservatives when they introduced omnibus whether they live with the family member they care for, and it will bills that contained many bills in one. On top of that, the Liberals help families with caregiving duties. have imposed a second time allocation motion to cut the debate [English] short. My Bloc Québécois colleague pointed out again this morning how appalling it is that so few members have an opportunity to The new Canada caregiver credit will provide tax relief of an speak. Only one NPD member will be allowed to speak today on the amount of $6,883 in 2017 in respect of care of dependent relatives most important bill of the session, Bill C-44 on the budget. This is with infirmities, including persons with disabilities, which includes completely undemocratic. The Liberals used to scream till they were parents, brothers, sisters, adult children, and any other specific blue in the face about how undemocratic this is. relative. It will be $2,150 in 2017 in respect of care of a dependent spouse or common-law partner or minor child with an infirmity, including those with a disability. Families will be able to take Here is my question. The member said that this bill will help the advantage of the new Canada caregiver credit as soon as the 2017 middle class. In addition to the 30 acts that it will amend, this bill tax year. also creates an infrastructure privatization bank. Municipalities like ● (1025) the ones in my riding of Salaberry—Suroît, municipalities like Rivière-Beaudette, Elgin, and Ormstown, will not be able to afford To conclude, the bill before us has concrete measures to move infrastructure projects worth $100,000 or more and will therefore not Canada forward, grow our economy, and create good jobs. have access to this privatization bank. Projects that are supposed to [Translation] be for communities, for the middle class, but are funded by private companies that want to turn a profit will never be within their reach. However, we can do more, and we will do more to help the middle class and those working hard to join it. We will ensure that economic growth helps all Canadians, not just the wealthy, and we will help How can the hon. member say that this is for the middle class, that families build a brighter future for their children and grandchildren. it is good for everyone, and that it is democratic? June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12401

Government Orders Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor: Mr. Speaker, again, I thank my economy and how great it is. Maybe she should visit my riding and colleague for the question and its sub-questions. ask how it is working for the ask the people there. I want to address the question of the omnibus bill. First, in our campaign platform, in 2015, we were clear that we would not use The government always claims that its most important relationship omnibus bills excessively. All the measures included in Bill C-44 are is with Canada's indigenous people. How is that working in my tax measures, measures that are very important for Canadians. We in riding? no way took advantage of the bill to hide other bills that we wanted to introduce. That is my answer to the first question. The Huu-ay-aht won a special claims travel decision for $13.8 Second, the infrastructure bank will help Canadians across the million. The government appealed it. It said it was not going to fight country. Many communities will be able to use it for transformative indigenous people in court, yet it keeps doing that. projects. As far as the smaller municipalities are concerned, they will have access to money that is invested, that is set aside for these projects. The Nuu-Chah-Nulth won its court case 10 years ago for their right to catch and sell fish. The government appealed the decision in Again, the previous government underinvested in infrastructure the Supreme Court. It was thrown out not once but twice. The for a decade. We are making historic investments to secure these Liberal government is still dragging it out, while people are living in projects, an investment of over $180 million over 12 years. poverty, overcrowded housing, and have serious mental health ● (1030) needs. Suicide is real in those communities in my riding. This is how the government treats its most important relationship? [English] Mrs. Cathy McLeod (Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I am very disappointed. The budget How much money does the government have in its budget to fight implementation act is a key piece of legislation. I was hoping to Canada's indigenous people? They want to know why they are not a speak to it today. I noticed last night that we spent a lot of time priority. talking about two bills that basically correct some issues that the Prime Minister himself created, instead of having an opportunity to Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor: Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank debate this bill. my colleague for his passion and concern for aboriginal people. Having said that, I have both a large and a small concern that I They are certainly a priority for our government. There is no more would like to address. The larger concern is the dismissal of the important relationship than the one we have with our indigenous election promise in terms of a balanced budget. Because of that, the people. Liberals are having to nickel-and-dime Canadians. It is a hot day today, and many Canadians will arrive home perhaps wanting to When I look at budgets 2016 and 2017, we have made historic have a beer after a day of work. What the Liberals put in this bill is investments to those communities, and we will continue to do even completely unprincipled, and I see it as a foreshadowing of the more. We have done much more than the previous government did in automatic tax increases that are to come. That is a small issue, but its 10 years in power. when people get home and have that beer on a Friday night, they will know that year after year the price will continue to increase, with no transparency. It is unheard of. Mr. Dan Vandal (Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her hard work on the budget. Can the minister share with the people across Canada why the government would do something that is so undemocratic? There is so much goods in this budget for Manitoba compared to Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor: Mr. Speaker, our government has previous budgets. The new budget shows an overall increase of $148 put a plan in place to help middle-class Canadians and to grow the million from 2016. As we speak, $58 million are being spent on new economy, and that is exactly what we have been doing. The good water treatment plants for first nations and indigenous communities, news is that more numbers have come out today, and we have seen including $20 million for Freedom Road, for which which we are the creation of a quarter of a million new full-time jobs over the past grateful. six months, the best six months we have seen in over 15 years. That is fantastic news. We are seeing more Canadians at work. We are seeing a Prime Minister working for Canadians. We are there to help Could the hon. parliamentary secretary comment on the important middle-class Canadians and those who are working hard to join it. relationship between our government and indigenous peoples in Manitoba and in Canada as a whole? Once again, we are making some strategic investments to make sure that these programs work. We will continue to move forward with our plan, because the evidence is clear that our plan is working ● (1035) and the economy is growing. Mr. Gord Johns (Courtenay—Alberni, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my appreciate the parliamentary secretary talking about the Canadian colleague for the hard work that he does in his riding. 12402 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Government Orders Once again, there is no more important relationship than the one There is something else that makes me extremely uncomfortable. with aboriginal communities. We will continue to make the historic The title of the budget is “Building a Strong Middle Class”. What it investments that are needed. should have been is “building a strong country for everyone”. We recognize that every Canadian should have access to clean water. We will work hard to enure that all the boiled water orders are Of course we want a strong middle class; I understand that, but I lifted with the investments that will be made. put myself in the shoes of millions of Canadians who are going to look at their pay and wonder whether they belong to the middle We recognize that more can be done, and more will be done, but class. It is an open secret in Canadian politics that the Liberal we are very proud of the historic investments we have made over the government always talks about the middle class because most people past two years. want to be able to feel that the middle class includes them, even if [Translation] they may not really be part of it, based on their income. It is a trick, a catch-all, but people subconsciously hear that the Liberals are Mr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I working for the members of one class only, and not for all thank the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance for her Canadians. speech. I am not sure that people in her riding of Moncton— Riverview—Dieppe are happy with the budget. Contrary to what she claims, this budget does not do anything for the ordinary Canadians ● (1040) who work hard every day and keep this country going. This budget helps the interest groups that make up the Liberal Party of Canada's In my opinion, Bill C-44, which would implement budget 2017, electoral base. does not really reflect Canada’s structural needs, both current and future. It is a bill that amends certain measures and sprinkles money I find it ironic that the parliamentary secretary thanked the here and there. There is really no overarching vision when it comes Standing Senate Committee on National Finance for its hard work in to the direction the country is going in. It is really an ideological, analyzing the 2017 budget implementation bill, since it is quite likely vote-seeking budget plan. What it actually offers is deficits and that the other place will ask that the infrastructure bank provisions be highly targeted expenditures to please a few interest groups. I will removed from this omnibus bill. We have many questions and name some of them. I note in passing that these interest groups have concerns about the infrastructure bank, questions that have gone all the right in the world to exist, but they should be not be the unanswered during question period and in committee. priority in a budget. The priority should be all Canadians in general. The infrastructure bank protects the investments of private investors to the detriment of Canadian taxpayers. That is ironic This budget focuses on NGOs, groups that generate media since private companies pride themselves on taking risks. Entrepre- interest, various civil society groups, and academic elites—the neurs are the ones who have the moxie to take risks. They have the number of research chairs has grown. All universities are receiving expertise, the ideas, the innovate spirit, and the courage needed to do incredible amounts of money. That is fine for research, but here things that way. Canadians are already paying taxes to keep the again, that is not what helps average Canadians. country running. It is not their responsibility to protect private sector investments. That is one of the things that we find worrisome about this bill. Next are the urban and financial elites, the environmentalists, the “post-nationalists”, who pretend that there is no culture or common What is more, the government has taken $15 billion away from ground in Canada, that French Canadians do not exist, and that they community infrastructure projects to fund this new bank, a measure are just one group among many. that my colleague from Louis-Saint-Laurent has decried before. He has said that the communities in Quebec's regions will not get any support from the infrastructure bank because it deals only with Then there are the civil liberties groups. The groups of litigants projects worth over $100 million. Rimouski or Baie-Comeau cannot who have been going to the Supreme Court since 1982 to get afford a $100-million arena. preferential rights, to circumvent the House, to get faster decisions that change the course of Canadian politics in their favour. There are In reality, this bank will serve only the interests of big cities and the anti-globalists, the social engineers who think that by changing those that have been especially selected on the basis of the votes for social policy they will be able to make things better. They are doing the Liberal Party in 2015. That was my opening statement. it for purely ideological reasons without really stopping to think about the potential consequences of their actions, which are based on The parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Finance had the a world view rather than on rational facts and most importantly on a audacity to say that it was a budget for people, for Canadians, when desire to help all Canadians. it is the complete opposite. Bill C-44, like the 2016 budget, targets Liberal interest groups, “post-national” interest groups that have very specific goals and that resort to the Supreme Court to argue their What I am essentially saying is that Bill C-44 does not meet political positions instead of going through the House. This time, Canada’s continental challenges, the North American challenges we they certainly have the government’s ear, and their political demands face on the economic, military, and social fronts. The bill also fails to are being heard loud and clear, because this budget does nothing but meet the international economic, military, social, and even environ- meet their needs. mental challenges we are facing. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12403

Government Orders Since the end of the 1990s, we have been living in a highly We are also seeing a Canadian context taking shape before our competitive world. More than ever, the west, including Canada, is eyes. The economic health of the federation has been going downhill slowing down. We are seeing the emergence of new world powers, for two years. For example, we are astonished to see that the Liberals the BRICS we all know about, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, never talk about the significant loss of economic growth in Alberta and South Africa. There is also Nigeria, with the largest population and the major job losses for Albertans. They also do not talk about in Africa and an economy that is increasingly important in Africa the employment problems in the Atlantic provinces. They do not talk and the world. about the importance of Montreal and Quebec City. Simply put, we are not hearing them really talk about the role of each province in our With their economic growth, their increasing military importance, country’s economic unity. and their now enormous populations—the countries I named easily represent half of the world’s population—these emerging countries For example, we have been telling them for several months now want energy resources. In spite of what they may say in their that it is incomprehensible that there is no free trade between the speeches at the United Nations, they want cars, they want to be provinces in Canada, when it is right there in the Constitution. That consumers, they want oil, they want to be mobile, and they want a is why we have asked them to make a reference to the Supreme western lifestyle. For the last 20 years, and this is certainly a good Court to have the judges interpret the Constitution as it is written, thing, we have seen a growing transfer of wealth from north to south. and give us a definitive judgment that sets out, in black and white, This is undoubtedly a consequence of the decolonization of the that we should have free trade among the provinces. That would 1950s and 1960s. It is to be expected and it is a good thing. certainly help our businesses everywhere in Canada. However, we need a government like the previous Conservative government that understands international geopolitics and under- There is a real need to complete major projects for the next 100 stands the major economic challenges that lie ahead. The economic years. Once again, this budget tell us about building a strong middle crisis of 2007-08 was undeniably terrible and was perhaps the class, but it does not contain any major projects that will ensure there harbinger of other things to come. will be even more wealth creation in 50 years. All the interest groups that the Liberals favour in their platform and their budget are There is a certain impoverishment happening in Canada, perhaps systematically opposed to any long-term major projects. not so much for people, but in terms of infrastructure. For example, our icebreakers are completely obsolete, our highways in the Maritimes need repair, and our ports and airports should be updated, I always like to take the example of the premier of Quebec, Mr. particularly Beauport 2020 in Quebec City, which really needs Bourassa, who created gigantic hydro-electric projects in the 1970s, investments. dams such as had never been seen in the history of humanity. Recently, the record was topped by a dam in China, but until very ● (1045) recently, we had the biggest dams in the world in Quebec. That Sometimes I get the impression that Canada does not realize that it means that today, we in Canada and Quebec are the ones who pay is losing ground in terms of its international role as an economic and the lowest prices for electricity. That is one of the few things that we diplomatic driver. pay the lowest prices for, but because of that, we have a healthy welfare state in Quebec and services that are overall quite adequate. There is also the North American context. The United States is suffering from the emergence of the BRICS countries. That is one of What is there in Canada at present, however, that guarantees that the reasons why the current president was elected. Americans are in 50 years—I will still be here if I am lucky—our children and extremely worried because 20 million people are unemployed in the grandchildren will enjoy rising wealth? There is nothing in this bill U.S. Isolationism is taking hold again. The media talks about this as that guarantees us that, because it focuses only on the present though it were a new phenomenon, but on the contrary, isolationism moment and aims simply to please vote-getting groups that make up re-emerges in the U.S. roughly every 50 years. the Liberal voting base, which is slowly but surely crumbling.

In this isolationist context, there will be major tax cuts in the ● (1050) United States for businesses and individuals. This political context is reactionary on economic, social, military, and diplomatic levels. It is According to my own and my Conservative colleagues’ analysis, not up to us to decide whether this is good or bad. The Americans Bill C-44 shows that the Liberals are working for the financial elite will develop their economic isolationism. of the infrastructure bank of Canada and the social elites who want to I see that in Bill C-44, which would implement budget 2017, the make major policy changes, not to create jobs, but to suit their own Liberal government does not seem to explain how we are going to world view. There is nothing there for working people, however. deal with this new North American reality or how we are going to That is why the Conservative opposition has a moral and political make sure that Canadian companies are competitive in the face of obligation to be the voice of taxpayers in the House. American isolationism and a less porous border that allows for less trade. Trade between Canada and the United States is worth $2 As I said in the House yesterday, we might be better off talking billion a day, so that is pretty significant. These isolationist American about the responsibilities of citizenship, the Canadian Armed Forces, reactions, which will last at least three years and a few months, are and how we can serve our country. Instead, we have no choice but to going to have very significant effects on Canada, but we are not talk about the importance of lowering taxes and creating jobs hearing the Liberals talk about this. because those two things are in peril under this government. 12404 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Statements by Members Taxes keep going up. This year alone, Canadians' tax burden is a very complex omnibus bill with different avenues and spending going up by nearly $5 billion. That includes taxes on public transit, going all over the place. One thing is for sure though. It is that the carpooling, beer and wine, also known as the Friday and Saturday money goes to interest groups, not to Canadians. They take money night tax, medication, child care, small business owners, oil and gas from Canadians to give to interest groups. companies, which represent millions of jobs in Canada, and tourism. That is a very long list of taxes, and the government is breaking one Concerning veterans, there were some interesting measures put in promise after another. place, but again, the new charter for veterans that was put in place by the government in 2006, just before the arrival of the new Worse still is the $29-billion deficit, which has nothing to do with Conservative government, was the wrong paradigm. We should economic conditions. Unlike the deficit at the time of the 2007-08 replace the charter with lifelong pensions. That is what the Liberals economic crisis, this deficit has nothing to do with a need to promised in the last election and that is what they should put in stimulate the economy and create jobs. This deficit exists because place, not these small measures. They should bring back the lifelong the government wanted its budget to cater to the needs of the interest pension. That was one of their major promises and I hope they will groups I mentioned at the beginning of my speech. Plus, these not break it. deficits have no end date. [Translation] This is the first time that we have a Canadian finance minister who is incapable of answering a simple question: when does he plan to The Speaker: The member will have another eight minutes for eliminate Canada's fiscal deficit? Will it be in 2017, 2018, 2020, questions and comments after oral question period. 2030, or 2040? He has no idea. He does not take the economy as seriously as he should. It is important to remind Canadians that the deficit has exploded over the past two years. Through words and actions alike, the Liberal STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS government is creating budgets to take money away from taxpayers and spread it around to certain special interest groups, rather than all [Translation] Canadians. The government is trying to divide Canadians by saying that it is working for the middle class, and not for everyone else. It ACCESS TO INFORMATION has no overall vision for Canada, particularly when it comes to Mr. Luc Thériault (Montcalm, BQ): Mr. Speaker, despite the continental and international challenges. In addition, it keeps Liberals' big promises to be open and transparent, today the introducing outdated bills in the House, like the one to raise the government is even less transparent than it was during the last year salary of ministers of state. Stephen Harper's Conservatives were in office. They should be focusing on more important matters. I am sure you are also concerned about this, Mr. Speaker, but you can rest assured. The Information Commissioner released a scathing report yester- Until 2019, we will continue to stand up for Canadian taxpayers day that indicated that this government is even more secretive than every day, until midnight if necessary, and we will make sure that Stephen Harper's. The conclusion that the Information Commis- this government does not win another term, so that 60 years from sioner came to is that this is the information era and it is time that now, Canada will not reflect this terrible mismanagement. Ottawa got on board. ● (1055) This government is hiding more than a government that was [English] openly suspicious of the media. Documents are redacted or hidden Mr. Erin Weir (Regina—Lewvan, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the and requests are ignored. The only things the Liberals want to show member for Beauport—Limoilou is the Conservative critic for are selfies of the Prime Minister and pictures of nice dinners. When Public Services and Procurement Canada. He was previously the it comes to providing easier access to information, they are anything Conservative critic for veterans affairs. The government has recently but transparent. announced major new expenditures related to both of those areas that were not in the federal budget. In the past couple of weeks, we saw Just because the Liberal members from Quebec are invisible does another $140 million to try to fix the Phoenix pay system, which is not mean that the government is transparent. fast becoming a billion-dollar boondoggle. We also saw billions of additional dollars for national defence, possibly in response to *** pressure from President Trump. EVENTS IN OTTAWA—VANIER Could my colleague from Beauport—Limoilou comment on the fact that these expenditures were not in the budget, and what Mrs. Mona Fortier (Ottawa—Vanier, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I rise implications that has for the credibility of the legislation that we are today to thank the Minister of Environment for the sunshine in debating today? tomorrow's forecast. Mr. Alupa Clarke: Mr. Speaker, that is interesting because it is [English] very hard to understand what exactly the spending in the budget is. I am not the only one saying that. It is not just the opposition saying Tomorrow there are two important charitable walks in Ottawa— that. The media, analysts, and economists have been saying that. It is Vanier. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12405

Statements by Members Curvy Girls Scoliosis Support Group of Ottawa will celebrate its FRENCH IMMERSION 6th annual walk of Scoliosis Awareness Month. This will support Curvy Girls Scoliosis Support Group, a peer-led support group for Mr. Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway, NDP): Mr. Speaker, teens of all ages who have been diagnosed with scoliosis. Canada's 150th anniversary is an important opportunity to celebrate Canada's linguistic duality as a key aspect of our collective identity [Translation] and as a gift for future generations. The Walk for ALS will also take place tomorrow in many Canadian cities. Walk for ALS is the largest fundraiser for ALS in Despite long wait lists for French immersion programs in Canada and is led by an impressive number of volunteers. Vancouver, the Christy Clark Liberal government and its school board appointee are cutting French immersion enrolment for I look forward to joining my hon. colleague from Glengarry— kindergarten students by one-quarter next year. This will result in Prescott—Russell who will help me lead Team Mauril as we raise 135 fewer spaces, and five schools will lose one class each. money and celebrate hope for a future without ALS. [Translation] ● (1100) [English] Many parents who want to register their children in this very popular program will be upset about this, and even more children I hope my colleagues will take the time to remember our dear will be deprived of the opportunity to be bilingual. friend, Mauril, and will join me or make a donation to Team Mauril. *** I urge the federal government to defend bilingualism and our official languages across the country in order to ensure that all MUDCAT FESTIVAL Canadian students have access to education in French and in Hon. Diane Finley (Haldimand—Norfolk, CPC): Mr. Speaker, English. this weekend, a large catfish statue named “Muddy the Mudcat” will welcome visitors to Dunnville in my beautiful riding of Haldimand *** —Norfolk for the 43rd annual Mudcat Festival. [English] Named after Dunnville's popular catfish found in the waters of the Grand River, this festival draws in crowds from all over to JACK LANG experience its exciting parade, thrilling midways, and breathtaking Mr. William Amos (Pontiac, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I rise in the fireworks. In fact, for a town of only 6,000 people, this festival House to honour the public service legacy of Jack Lang, who served attracts 10 times its population. the Pontiac region as mayor and councillor of Clarendon for 24 This year the Mudcat Festival will offer new events, such as the years. He set a high bar for politicians following in his footsteps. strong man and strong woman competitions, firefighters' street dance, the first-ever mudcat marathon, and a special tribute to our Jack worked for many years in the forestry industry at the Smurfit- veterans. Stone pulp mill in Portage-du-Fort. He was a valued member of the congregation of Shawville's United Church, and was a volunteer Huge thanks go out to all of the volunteers and businesses with the local fire department, the Shawville Kinsmen Club, the involved in making this event possible, especially Margaret and Pontiac Agricultural Society, the Pontiac Community Hospital Kimberly Clarke. Without them, this festival would not happen. Foundation, the Shawville Minor Hockey Association, among so many others. *** VOLUNTEERISM He was a true ambassador for the Pontiac. I will never forget how Mr. Chandra Arya (Nepean, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to comfortable he made me feel at the Shawville Fair, encouraging me recognize a large group of volunteers that donated its time and to join in all the activities. energy for a good cause in my riding of Nepean this past weekend. Jack had such an open and welcoming manner, behaviour that On Saturday, seven churches across Nepean and Barrhaven took bears the mark of a true leader. part in the “Big Give”, a city-wide garage sale where all items were free. Hundreds of volunteers came together to spread kindness and For his family, I offer the condolences of an entire region. He generosity in a unified day of giving. represented that which is great about the Pontiac.

I would like to thank Jon Griffiths, Anne McGregor, Mark Scarr, *** Ryan Dawson, Dan Guther, Daniel Tjoe-A-Long, and the congrega- tions of The Metropolitan Bible Church, Woodvale Pentecostal PUBLIC SAFETY Church, Good Shepherd Barrhaven, Longfields Community Church, Sequoia Community Church, Cedarview Alliance Church, and Mr. Kevin Waugh (Saskatoon—Grasswood, CPC): Mr. Bibleway Ministries for giving back to our communities and making Speaker, on January 17, 2015, RCMP Constable David Wynn was the Big Give a success once again this year. fatally shot while on duty by a criminal with a lengthy record. 12406 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Statements by Members Bill S-217 would require criminal history to be considered during Thanks to the dedication of Mr. Ellis and his North Wall Riders, a bail hearing. The bill would address a glaring oversight with two and the generosity of Hamiltonians, we dedicated our LAV III simple common-sense changes to the Criminal Code. Afghanistan monument last Saturday, with regular, reserve, and veteran soldiers, and hundreds of civilians attending. There was all-party support in the House for the bill. However, exactly one month ago today, members of the House of Commons Standing Committees on Justice and Human Rights adopted a report We are proud of our military in Hamilton. I encourage every recommending that Parliament not proceed further with the bill. community to follow the lead of a number of Canadian cities that have honoured their Afghan veterans. Police associations across the country, including mine in the city of Saskatoon, are asking all parliamentarians to work across party *** lines to pass this important legislation. The bill, to be debated next week, is aimed at protecting our BRITISH NORTH AMERICA ACT communities, a goal all Canadians share. Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Carleton, CPC): Mr. Speaker, July 1st is *** the 150th anniversary of the British North American Act, or BNA. ● (1105) MISSISSAUGA-LAKESHORE CONSTITUENCY YOUTH The BNA is Canada's DNA. It transformed 650 years of British COUNCIL parliamentary democracy designed for a small island in the old world into a vast new federation in the new one. It needed no high-minded Mr. Sven Spengemann (Mississauga—Lakeshore, Lib.): Mr. ideals about rights and freedoms because it was understood that Speaker, I rise to recognize the Mississauga-Lakeshore Constituency Canadians would inherit the great freedoms of the Magna Carta: Youth Council, which is an amazing group of young people. Last freedom from arbitrary arrest and confiscation; freedom from weekend, it ran a toiletries drive to help the Compass food bank, in taxation without representation; freedom of speech, belief, and Port Credit. enterprise; jury trials; an elected Parliament. For weeks prior, the youth council profiled stories of Compass volunteers and clients on social media to shed light on the need for As Wilfrid Laurier, our first Franco-Canadian prime minister, said, access to basic necessities, such as diapers, shampoo, razors, “France gave us life; Britain gave us liberty.” feminine hygiene products, and toothpaste. The team reached out to businesses, faith-based organizations, Let us celebrate these ancient liberties and the prosperity and schools, and libraries, and canvassed neighbourhoods to build freedom they have allowed us to enjoy for over a century and a half. support for its initiative. Through its hard work, the Compass received over 1,000 pounds of toiletries. *** I would like to thank Sean, Pernia, Meghan, Nolan, Rida, Chris, Jonathan, Kassandra, Ethan, Steph, Hamza, Vlad, Caleigh, Jessie, AVIE BENNETT and A.J. for their amazing efforts, and give a special shout-out to Hanan Harb in my constituency office. Her leadership inspired the Mr. Adam Vaughan (Spadina—Fort York, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, youth council throughout this project. famed intellectual Marshall McLuhan once penned the phrase, “Culture is Our Business”; business is our culture. The noted This team made a real difference in our community. I ask all University of Toronto professor may have written that, but Avie members in the House to join with me in recognizing these young Bennett personified it. people. *** This past weekend Avie Bennett passed away at 89 years old. AFGHANISTAN VETERANS Avie Bennett may be best known for rescuing the publishing Mr. Bob Bratina (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, Lib.): Mr. house known as McClelland & Stewart back in 1985. It is the Speaker, this past week, my city honoured the 2,800 Canadian publishing house that first gave Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, and veterans of the war in Afghanistan, 159 of whom paid the supreme Michael Ondaatje to Canadians and then to the world. When it was sacrifice. More than 400 soldiers came from Hamilton military units. on the verge of collapse, Mr. Bennett led the charge to save it. Four of them lost their lives. The tribute is a permanent monument, located at the Warplane Mr. Bennett made his fortune as a developer, but he made his Heritage Museum, in the form of a LAV III armoured vehicle, mark in our country building some of this nation's great cultural offered through a program by Canada Company. Keven Ellis and his institutions: Canada's National Ballet School, the Art Gallery of North Wall Riders Motorcycle Association crowd-funded, without Ontario, and the Frank Gehry addition to that. York University was government help, the $40,000 needed to buy the vehicle and arrange led by this great Canadian and Torontonian. They all benefited from its display. his leadership. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12407

Statements by Members He was a quiet giant. When awarded a Companion of the Order of [English] Canada in 2004, he was described as “one of the great altruists of our time.” “UNINTERRUPTED” ARTS INSTALLATION Mr. Terry Beech (Burnaby North—Seymour, Lib.): Mr. Our artists, Toronto, and this nation will miss Avie, but not as Speaker, wild salmon are the lifeblood of the west coast. I rise much as his family will. He travelled them far, and they will travel today to celebrate a high-tech art installation coming to Vancouver with him within their hearts forever more. titled “Uninterrupted”, which reveals the story of wild Pacific salmon on an unprecedented scale. Farewell and I thank him. Beginning June 28, after dusk, audiences will witness the *** extraordinary migration of these iconic fish projected across the ● (1110) entirety of the Cambie Street Bridge. At over one kilometre in length, this will be one of the largest projections of original VANCOUVER QUADRA CONSTITUENCY YOUTH cinematography ever attempted. COUNCIL I would like to congratulate Rae Hull, a dear friend and local Ms. Joyce Murray (Vancouver Quadra, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, this constituent who is a producer for the project. The team has been spring, the Vancouver Quadra Constituency Youth Council orga- working for three years to bring the story of Pacific salmon to the nized a public great debate. It was ably co-chaired by CBC's Chris heart of Vancouver during the celebration of Canada 150. Brown. Inside the packed Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, the high school students authored and debated four policy issues: one, when I look forward to joining the launch, and I invite everyone to visit should the voting age be lowered; two, should it be illegal to hold this extraordinary installation. cetaceans in captivity; three, should the safe third country agreement be rescinded; and, four, should university education be free? ***

They pitted themselves against some of the brightest minds in LEADER OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA Vancouver in this debate: professors, lawyers, managers, and even a former Canadian ambassador. The students won a number of their Mr. Erin Weir (Regina—Lewvan, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I rise to debates with their poise, intellectual prowess, and a dynamism that recognize a constituent who was recently elected to lead a national would make everyone in the House proud. organization.

I congratulate the members of the Vancouver Quadra Constitu- This young Regina—Lewvan resident has impressed many with ency Youth Council on a year of hard work. I look forward to his civic engagement and sunny disposition. I cannot name this sharing their input with our Prime Minister. constituent because he is also a member of the House. I am of course congratulating the new Conservative leader. *** The member for Regina—Qu'Appelle is a student of the [Translation] Westminster system, and must be almost as excited as I am about the newly elected British Parliament. JUSTICE SYSTEM Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC): Mr. Speaker, Let me be the first to congratulate Jeremy Corbyn in the Canadian since the Supreme Court decision of July 8, 2016, known as the Parliament. The British Labour Party made significant gains Jordan decision, too many people charged with crimes have had their campaigning on a bold, progressive platform. Our sister party's charges dropped because of stays of proceedings. Justice is not being success is an inspiration to the NDP as we choose a new leader to served for many victims, who are left to deal with the aftermath. build Canada for the many, not the few.

For instance, Dannick Lessard, who was riddled with bullets, is *** furious that the man charged for the crime was released because of POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER the Jordan decision. He wants justice. According to the director of criminal and penal prosecutions for Quebec, 193 defendants have Mr. Todd Doherty (Cariboo—Prince George, CPC): Mr. escaped prosecution. One of the Government of Canada's primary Speaker, the average rate of suicide within the general public is responsibilities is to guarantee a justice system that works for all 11.5 per 100,000 people. The rate of suicide within the first Canadians by ensuring that there are always enough judges to hear responder community is 56 per 100,000 people. cases within a reasonable time frame. The safety of Canadians should be paramount, and their trust in the justice system is vital to Today Peel Region paramedics are saying goodbye to one of their our democracy. own. He was a husband, a father, a friend, and a brother. This past week families, friends, and colleagues said goodbye to first I join with victims of crime in Quebec and call on the federal responders from North Battleford, Saskatchewan, from North government to appoint 10 more judges to the Quebec Superior Court Vancouver, and from northern British Columbia. Four lives were immediately. cut short because of post-traumatic stress disorder. 12408 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Oral Questions My bill, Bill C-211, comes too late for these families. I hope next Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Carleton, CPC): Mr. Speaker, that is the week, when Bill C-211 enters the House for third reading, that it opposite of what the company in question has said in publicly passes unanimously, because collectively we will send a message released documents. Furthermore, David Mulroney, Canada's former that these deaths were not in vain, that we stand together in the fight ambassador to China and a foreign and defence policy adviser to the against PTSD, and that those who are suffering are not alone. Prime Minister, and Richard Fadden, the former CSIS director, have To my colleagues, we must be better; we must do better. To the both raised the alarm bell about the approval of this transaction families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen, my heart goes out to without appropriate national security review. them, and I am truly sorry for their loss. Why is it that this minister is ignoring Canada's national security *** experts and putting patented national security technology in the ● (1115) hands of those who cannot be trusted with it? BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Hon. Navdeep Bains (Minister of Innovation, Science and Ms. Kim Rudd (Northumberland—Peterborough South, Economic Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is that Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge three funding this is a multi-step national security review process, which is very initiatives in my riding of Northumberland—Peterborough South rigorous. Did Canada's national security agencies examine this deal? that exemplify the rural renaissance in eastern Ontario. The answer is yes. Did the government follow the security agencies' Twenty-three start-up companies are now benefiting from a total recommendations? The answer is yes, so Canadians can be confident investment of almost $700,000. These start-ups represent the best in in the knowledge that Canada's security agencies have done their due Canada's innovation agenda. These funds are targeting the accelera- diligence. tion of promising technology start-ups. Additionally, $1 million is being allocated to create the Northumberland venture fund, with Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Carleton, CPC): Mr. Speaker, the due support from the eastern Ontario development program. Finally, the diligence necessary comes in section 25 of the act, which requires, in Venture 13 project will allow a dedicated hub for start-ups with an instances where national security matters are at stake, that there be a initial investment of $400,000 through the federal collaborative full and complete review, something the company in question says economic development program. did not happen. This is a shining example of true collaboration. I want to thank Wendy Curtis and her team at the Northumberland Community The former ambassador to China from Canada has said that this is Futures Development Corporation for having the vision, and our “worrying”. The former CSIS director has said there should have federal government and the communities that supported it. We are been a review. Why did this minister and this government ignore all helping create a brighter future for eastern Ontario. of these voices before approving this transaction?

Hon. Navdeep Bains (Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, it is the exact ORAL QUESTIONS opposite. We did not ignore any voices. We actually followed the [English] advice given to us by our national security agencies. FOREIGN INVESTMENT Again, the member opposite knows full well that we followed the Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Carleton, CPC): Mr. Speaker, yesterday process, did our due diligence, and did our homework, and I would the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development like to remind the member opposite that all transactions are subject said, “under the Investment Canada Act, all transactions are subject to a national security review. We never have and we never will to a national security review. Therefore, we have followed the compromise our national security. process.” He was referring to Norsat, but that company put out a statement ● (1120) saying, “the Minister responsible for the Investment Canada Act... has served notice that there will be no order for review of the [Translation] transaction under...the Act.” Mr. Gérard Deltell (Louis-Saint-Laurent, CPC): Mr. Speaker, Which is it? not so long ago, Canada was governed by responsible people. The Hon. Navdeep Bains (Minister of Innovation, Science and Conservative government opposed the sale of ITF, a Montreal Economic Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, company, to Chinese interests for reasons of national security. every single transaction is subject to a national security review. This Unfortunately, the irresponsible Liberal government reversed that is a multi-step review process, and the process was followed. decision and yesterday we found out in The Globe and Mail that the We take the advice and feedback from our national security government is allowing the sale of another company, Norsat, agencies very seriously, and based on that advice, we proceeded with skipping the crucial step that is a national security review. this transaction. I want to reassure the member and this House that we never, ever will compromise our national security. Why is the government playing games with our security? June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12409

Oral Questions Hon. Navdeep Bains (Minister of Innovation, Science and was followed. We did our due diligence, we did our homework, and Economic Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I disagree with my we took the advice. We followed the advice of our national security colleague. agencies. We will make sure that we never ever compromise our national security, our national interest, and at the same time, we are [English] going to continue to focus on growing the economy, creating jobs, We will never, ever compromise our national security, and let us and making sure we bring more investments and more opportunities be clear with respect to the specific case mentioned by the member for Canadians. opposite on O-NET. We did not overturn a cabinet order. The [Translation] previous government managed the process so poorly that it ended up in court. Ms. Brigitte Sansoucy (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, NDP): Mr. Speaker, this week the problem is that the Liberals took a shortcut We have a rigorous process. We examined all the facts from our instead of conducting a full national security review. national security agencies, and the law was followed. Again, the law was followed, and we acted with the full advice given to us by our Instead of explaining why they did not do this comprehensive national security agencies. review, the minister rose several times yesterday to falsely claim that [Translation] he had indeed conducted one. Mr. Gérard Deltell (Louis-Saint-Laurent, CPC): Mr. Speaker, Will the Liberal government take responsibility for refusing to the minister's problem is that it is not just Conservatives who are conduct this review and will it stop misleading Canadians? concerned; the company itself says that it did not have to go through this very stringent review. Even the former ambassador has [English] expressed some concern. It is not just the Conservatives saying this. Hon. Navdeep Bains (Minister of Innovation, Science and We need not be surprised that the government is being so lax. In Economic Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is that 2013, the current Prime Minister said, and I quote, “There is a level this is a multi-step national security review process, which is very of admiration I actually have for China. Their basic dictatorship is rigorous. Did Canada's national security agencies examine this deal? actually allowing them to turn their economy around on a dime.” As I have said before, yes, they did. Did the government follow the security agency's recommendations? As I said before, yes, we did. Can the hon. member for Papineau finally act like a responsible Canadians can be confident in the knowledge that Canada's security head of state and take national security seriously? agencies have done their due diligence. We never have and we never [English] will compromise our national security. Hon. Navdeep Bains (Minister of Innovation, Science and *** Economic Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we take national security very seriously. That is why we work very closely with our [Translation] security agencies. We take their advice and follow their advice. GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS With respect to China and our overall goal in terms of the economy, we have been very clear that we are open to trade, that we Ms. Brigitte Sansoucy (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, NDP): Mr. are open to investment, that we are open to people, and that is why Speaker, today we learned that the Prime Minister extended the last month there were 54,000 jobs created in our economy. Over the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's and the Lobbying last eight months, there were over a quarter of a million jobs, good- Commissioner's terms. quality, full-time, resilient jobs. That is the bottom line. We want to After the Madeleine Meilleur appointment fiasco, this is a clear make sure we advance our economic agenda, grow the economy, and indication that we not only need a new consultation process, we also help the middle class. need time to set that process up. Mr. Murray Rankin (Victoria, NDP): Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development told Will the Liberal government agree to develop an appointment Canadians that the government had conducted a national security process for high-level appointees to ensure that these vitally review, full stop, of the takeover of a Vancouver high-tech company important positions are not tainted by partisanship? by a Chinese company. However, that is the opposite of the truth. The minister is trying to pretend that there is a difference between, ● (1125) wait for it, a national security review and the national security review Hon. Bardish Chagger (Leader of the Government in the process. The minister is playing cynical word games. This is House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and deceptive, but worst of all, he is misleading Canadians. Tourism, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we recognize that officers of Parliament play an important role in ensuring parliamentary Were the Liberals not supposed to be better than this? accountability. Hon. Navdeep Bains (Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, again, I want to The two interim appointments for the offices of the Lobbying remind the member opposite of what I said yesterday and what I said Commissioner and the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner earlier today in question period. All transactions are subject to a ensure continuity in leadership and allow time to complete the national security review. This is a multi-level process. The process selection process. 12410 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Oral Questions As of today, the selection processes for these two key leadership What has been the Prime Minister's priority over the last 629 days positions are open. The government is committed to identifying the if not filling these positions? It has been cash-for-access fundraisers, best candidates for these positions. a taxpayer-funded jet-set lifestyle, sending billions of Canadian tax dollars overseas, Broadway shows, staged photo ops, daytime TV [English] appearances, and severe ethical lapses. Mr. Murray Rankin (Victoria, NDP): Mr. Speaker, these commissioners work for all Canadians and report to Parliament, When will the Prime Minister put down the selfie stick and get to not to the government of the day. This is to ensure their work by appointing independent non-partisan officers of Parliament? independence so they can investigate any government, regardless of their political affiliation. The Liberals attempted to change that Hon. Bardish Chagger (Leader of the Government in the tradition for their own partisan benefit, but luckily for our House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and democracy, they failed. Tourism, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, our priority has been and always will be Canadians, middle-class Canadians and those working hard to Will the Liberal government now accept responsibility for its join them. This is exactly why the first thing we did when we took actions, and with humility, agree to a new process that would prevent office was to lower taxes for the middle class by increasing taxes on partisan appointments in the future? the 1% of wealthiest Canadians. What did the Conservatives do? Hon. Bardish Chagger (Leader of the Government in the They voted against it. House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we have put in a new process that is We have put in a new process, an open, transparent, merit-based open, transparent, and more accountable so that Canadians can apply process. All positions that are available are posted online. I for these positions. We believe in the importance of all positions and encourage Canadians to apply. all agents of Parliament and agree that they respond to Parliament, to Canadians. The two interim appointments for the offices of the [Translation] Commissioner of Lobbying and the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner provide leadership, continuity, and allow time for the Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC): Mr. Speaker, selection process to be completed. As of today, the selection process what do the words cronyism, patronage, wheeling and dealing, and for these two key leadership positions are open, and we are shady business have in common? They are all part of the Liberal committed to identifying the best candidates for these positions. If government's new appointment process. members have names to suggest, I encourage them to go online. Mr. John Brassard (Barrie—Innisfil, CPC): Mr. Speaker, we As the government prepares to appoint an ethics commissioner found out this morning, after the Madeleine Meilleur debacle, that and another official languages commissioner, will the Prime Minister the Prime Minister is relaunching the application process for the commit to consulting the opposition? Will he put an end to trading ethics and lobbying commissioners. It should be a clear indication to partisan appointments for donations to the Liberal Party of Canada everyone that the Prime Minister and his backroom operatives once and for all? floated the Meilleur trial balloon hoping it would work and that they ● (1130) would simply fill these positions with Liberal Party donors and insiders. Hon. Bardish Chagger (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Parliament is not a Liberal partisan playground. When will the Tourism, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, as I said, we recognize the important Prime Minister start a meaningful search to fill these five positions role that officers of Parliament play in keeping Parliament that are open, and when will he consult with opposition parties like accountable. he is supposed to? Hon. Bardish Chagger (Leader of the Government in the The two interim appointments for the offices of the Commis- House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and sioner of Lobbying and the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Tourism, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, as I have said, we have put in place Commissioner ensure continuity in leadership and allow time for a new process, an open, transparent, and merit-based process, so that the selection process to be completed. As of today, the selection Canadians can apply. We recognize the importance of these processes for these two key leadership positions are open and the positions. Exactly what we committed to Canadians, we have government is committed to identifying the best candidates for these delivered on. Under this new process, we have appointed over 150 positions. great Canadians doing important work. Mrs. Sylvie Boucher (Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d'Or- The good news is that this place is no longer a Conservative léans—Charlevoix, CPC): Mr. Speaker, it would be naive to think playground. We believe in non-partisan appointments. We believe in that Ms. Meilleur withdrew from the process on her own, without a merit-based appointment process, and that is what we have put in pressure from the Prime Minister's Office. Now we know why the place. government had been acting shady for the past three weeks. Mr. John Brassard (Barrie—Innisfil, CPC): Mr. Speaker, we can bet that if the Prime Minister was looking for a social media The Liberals now have a second chance as they appoint the next coordinator, the position would have been filled in a heartbeat. ethics commissioner and official languages commissioner. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12411

Oral Questions Will the government assure this House that the next appointments transparent, merit-based process. Available positions are posted will not be limited to candidates who happen to be Liberal Party online and Canadians can apply. That was part of our commitment donors, and that it will consult the party leaders before imposing its and that is exactly what we delivered. choices on us? Hon. Bardish Chagger (Leader of the Government in the Our aim is to always identify high-quality— House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and [Translation] Tourism, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we have implemented a new, open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process. Our aim is to The Speaker: Order. I would ask the member for Mégantic— identify high-quality candidates who will help to achieve gender L'Érable and all members to listen to the answer and not interrupt. parity and truly reflect Canada's diversity. [English] We recognize the important role played by officers of Parliament in ensuring parliamentary accountability. The two interim appoint- The government House leader has a few more seconds. ments for the offices of the Commissioner of Lobbying and the Hon. Bardish Chagger: Mr. Speaker, our aim has always been to Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner provide continuity in identify high-quality candidates who will help to achieve gender leadership and allow time for the selection process to be completed. parity and truly reflect Canada's diversity. [English] Under our new process we have made over 150 appointments, of Hon. Kevin Sorenson (Battle River—Crowfoot, CPC): Mr. which 60% are women, 13% visible minorities, 10% indigenous Speaker, on Wednesday, the Prime Minister actually said that peoples— someone's background should not determine if they are fit to become an officer of Parliament. That is simply wrong. Canadians expect The Speaker: The hon. member for Abitibi—Baie-James— that these positions will be filled with people who are competent and Nunavik—Eeyou. independent. No one believes that people giving tens of thousands of dollars to the Liberal Party are independent. *** Will the Prime Minister learn a lesson here and ensure that the INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS next Ethics Commissioner will not be another partisan Liberal and will actually enjoy all-party support? Mr. Romeo Saganash (Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik— Eeyou, NDP): Mr. Speaker, there is a proposal before us to remove Hon. Bardish Chagger (Leader of the Government in the gender and other discrimination from the Indian Act. This is one of House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and the many long injustices faced by indigenous peoples in Canada. If Tourism, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we have put in a new process, an one was to guess that with a self-proclaimed feminist Prime Minister open, transparent, merit-based process, where Canadians can apply it should be no problem, then one would be wrong. The Liberal for available positions that are posted online. I encourage Canadians government is arguing that it needs more time to consult before to apply. acting. When it comes to political background, we encourage Canadians to be a part of the political process. We encourage Canadians to be a Are there any other people in this country we would need to part of the decisions that we make in this place. We need to hear consult before they could be entitled to their human rights? Because those perspectives. That is why the Prime Minister said the political if not, that is racism background of an individual is not the only thing that should be ● (1135) looked at. We should look at a merit-based appointment process. We should look at the diversity of our country. We should look at Ms. Yvonne Jones (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of bilingualism and so forth. Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, fighting discrimination is a priority for our government and ending sexual Hon. Kevin Sorenson (Battle River—Crowfoot, CPC): Mr. discrimination against indigenous women is a priority as well. We Speaker, the lesson learned here hopefully is that the Prime Minister are tackling this on two fronts. should not try again to appoint another partisan Liberal commis- sioner. No one believes that the government House leader or anyone The first stage is Bill S-3. That bill will take an approach to reform else over there will actually consider Canadians who apply for these registration, membership, and citizenship in partnership with appointments online. indigenous people. The second step that we have adopted will be How can Canadians believe that the new appointment process that to immediately engage in formal consultations with indigenous the government House leader brags about is not just the Liberals' groups and those impacted by discriminatory— newfangled attempt to ensure that they get to appoint the partisan The Speaker: The hon. member for Abitibi—Baie-James— Liberal stalwart that they have always wanted? Nunavik—Eeyou. Hon. Bardish Chagger (Leader of the Government in the [Translation] House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I believe the member might be Mr. Romeo Saganash (Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik— projecting but when it comes to this government under the leadership Eeyou, NDP): Mr. Speaker, we are talking about eliminating of the Prime Minister, we have put in a new process, an open, discrimination immediately. 12412 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Oral Questions We have a Prime Minister who claims to be a feminist and who would, and we will await the Attorney General's judgment in this says that a nation to nation relationship is his priority. However, the matter. Liberal government claims it needs more time to conduct consultations before taking action on issues as important as *** fundamental rights. It is unbelievable. I will repeat my question. If any other group in Canada had to deal PUBLIC SAFETY with such discrimination, would the Liberals still be in the process of Mr. Kevin Waugh (Saskatoon—Grasswood, CPC): Mr. Speak- holding consultations? er, one thing I know we can all agree on is that the protection of our [English] children should be the highest priority for us, as members of Ms. Yvonne Jones (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Parliament and as members of society, yet the current government Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, my seems intent on scrapping a provision that allows law enforcement colleague knows very well that we are committed to ending sexual and parents the ability to protect our kids. discrimination against indigenous women. He also knows that it is necessary to pass Bill S-3 in the House of Commons in order to When it comes to our children, greater protection is always the ensure that thousands of people who are currently being denied their best option. Why can the Liberal government not understand this rights in Canada gain rights. very simple concept?

When members opposite were in government, they fought ● (1140) indigenous women on sexual discrimination for years in the courts. Our government is acting on it. We have withdrawn the appeal Hon. Ralph Goodale (Minister of Public Safety and Emer- submitted by the former government and we are going to do the right gency Preparedness, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, of course public safety thing. and particularly the protection of children is our highest priority. Along with the hon. gentleman, I am sure every member of the *** House agrees with that principle. In fact, the national sex offender ACCESS TO INFORMATION registry, which was created in 2004, was fully funded and set up at the time by public safety minister, Anne McLellan. It is the key tool Mr. Pat Kelly (Calgary Rocky Ridge, CPC): Mr. Speaker, an for ensuring that high-risk offenders are identified. investigation by the Information Commissioner revealed an employ- ee of Shared Services Canada deleted 398 pages of email documents When a potentially dangerous offender is about to be released after receiving an ATIP request for documents containing the words from prison, the correctional service alerts the police, and if there is a “Liberal Party”. It is a serious offence to destroy documents subject danger, police alert the public. Again, police and communities, to an ATIP request. working together— Will the Liberal Attorney General recuse herself from the decision to prosecute and avoid an obvious conflict of interest, yes or no? The Speaker: The hon. member for Richmond—Arthabaska. Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Parliamentary Secretary to the [Translation] Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, our government expects our employees to meet the highest level of Mr. Alain Rayes (Richmond—Arthabaska, CPC): Mr. Speaker, ethical behaviour and decision-making, as set out by the Values and I have three children. Many of my colleagues in the House have Ethics Code for the Public Sector. Shared Services Canada took this children and many Canadian families are asking the same question situation very seriously, immediately launched an investigation, and we are. Why is the Prime Minister refusing to create a public registry notified the Information Commissioner. As is usual, this matter has of convicted pedophiles? now been referred to the Attorney General. Mr. Pat Kelly (Calgary Rocky Ridge, CPC): This, Mr. Speaker, I will give the Prime Minister another chance by asking him a very is from the former executive director of the Liberal Party. simple question. We now know that the Shared Services Canada employee who deleted 398 pages of email documents following an ATIP is a Liberal Can he tell us whether he will create a public registry of sexual EDA president. The Elections Act requires the Attorney General to predators, yes or no? recuse herself from all of these types of conflicts of interest. [English] Therefore, for the second time, will the minister recuse herself from this similar conflict, and refer this matter directly to the director of Hon. Ralph Goodale (Minister of Public Safety and Emer- public prosecutions, yes or no? gency Preparedness, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the national sex offender Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Parliamentary Secretary to the registry is already in place. It has been there since 2004, fully Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, funded, fully operative, and working effectively across the country. the government has acted according to procedure. It has informed the In the dying days of the previous government, it introduced a piece employee, and informs all employees of their rights and obligations of legislation that would add an additional database but it did not set as public servants. The matter is being dealt with as any other matter it up and it did not give one penny to fund it. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12413

Oral Questions [Translation] [Translation]

MARIJUANA INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Ms. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (Salaberry—Suroît, NDP): Mr. Speaker, with fanfare to spare, the Liberal government announced a Mr. Angelo Iacono (Alfred-Pellan, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, in May major defence investment. Just like that, it found $70 billion to buy 2016, the Minister of International Development and La Franco- new armaments, boats and planes. phonie launched an ambitious consultation process to revamp Canada's international aid policy. During this process, 270 consulta- In contrast, without consulting the provinces or offering them any tions involving 15,000 people were held in 65 countries, including resources, the Liberals announced that communities must be ready Canada. for legalized marijuana a year from now. In the meantime, thousands of young people are going to end up with criminal records that will Can the minister update the House on the new feminist haunt them for life. international aid policy, which was unveiled this morning? What is the point of a youth minister who refuses to stand up for Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau (Minister of International Devel- young people, who refuses to invest in education and prevention, opment and La Francophonie, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I thank my and who allows young people to end up with criminal records for colleague from Alfred-Pellan for the question. life? Mr. Marco Mendicino (Parliamentary Secretary to the I was very proud this morning to unveil Canada's new feminist Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Lib.): Mr. international aid policy. From now on, all of our partners will have to Speaker, protecting the health and safety of Canadians is one of our ensure that they contribute in a tangible way to gender parity and to government's top priorities. the empowerment of women and girls.

Current cannabis legislation is not working. It has put profits in I am confident that our new feminist approach will help reduce the hands of criminals and organized crime, and it has not kept poverty and inequality, and create a more inclusive, peaceful, and cannabis out of the hands of young Canadians. prosperous world. That is why, following in-depth consultations with experts and the work of the task force on cannabis legalization and regulation, our *** government introduced a bill that works for all Canadians. ● (1145) [English] [English] Mr. Alistair MacGregor (Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister says the law is the law, SMALL BUSINESS but really it depends on who one knows. Since the Liberals were elected, more than 15,000 Canadians have received charges for Mrs. Shannon Stubbs (Lakeland, CPC): Mr. Speaker, junior oil possession of marijuana, even though the Liberals have promised to and gas companies are disappearing. Seventeen publicly traded legalize the substance. These charges disproportionately affect juniors have been lost in the last two years. Meanwhile, multi- young people in marginalized communities, people of colour, nationals reap the benefits, backing red tape and bad tax hikes, like indigenous people, and the poor. the carbon tax, and getting handouts in return. If one comes from privilege, as the Prime Minister said, one can The Liberals claim they support small businesses, but these make the charges “go away”. Why are the Liberals continuing the juniors are not expected to recover any time soon. Will the Liberals unfair criminalization of some of the most marginalized groups in cut the red tape, support small businesses, and finally champion our society? Canadian oil and gas? Mr. Marco Mendicino (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Lib.): Mr. Ms. Kim Rudd (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Speaker, protecting the health and safety of Canadians is a top Natural Resources, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, our support for the energy priority for our government. The current approach to cannabis does sector reflects a balanced approach that ensures the environment is not work, as my hon. colleague and his party have admitted on protected and that good, well-paying jobs are created for Canadians. numerous occasions. That is because it allows criminals and organized crime to profit and allows cannabis to remain in the After 10 years of inaction by the former Conservative govern- hands of our children. ment, we approved pipelines, while a the same time protecting our oceans, putting a price on carbon pollution, and working with We want to make sure that does not happen. That is why, after indigenous peoples. Our approach will create tens of thousands of long and hard work by an independent task force, as well as good jobs across the country and position Canada well to enjoy the important debate in the House, we have introduced Bill C-45. We economic benefit from an expanded energy sector. look forward to ongoing debates so we can keep cannabis out of the hands of our children and profits out of the hands of criminal Mrs. Shannon Stubbs (Lakeland, CPC): Mr. Speaker, that is not organizations. an answer. 12414 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Oral Questions The Calgary Herald says Canada's junior oil and gas sector has developing the final framework. Instead, the Minister of Health “shrunk to a shadow of its former self”. The Liberals' red tape, developed nothing but an unfocused, scant document. delays, and reviews are hitting juniors while they are already down. Investors are fleeing and project costs are skyrocketing because of tax hikes and uncertainty. Despite their talk, the Liberals attack small Will the Minister of Health finally agree that her framework fails businesses and entrepreneurs. Will the Liberals stop favouring only the very people it is meant to support and commit to finally working billionaire CEOs and big multinationals and finally champion with the community to address their needs? Canadian homegrown small businesses? Hon. Navdeep Bains (Minister of Innovation, Science and ● (1150) Economic Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we are supporting small businesses. We are supporting entrepreneurs as well. That is Mr. Joël Lightbound (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister why we introduced the innovation and skills agenda. This was part of Health, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the of our latest budget. The focus is on investing in people and talent, impact that Lyme disease has on Canadians and on their families. particularly those that run our small businesses. We are also making sure they have the latest technologies to be able to compete not only I was pleased, the minister was pleased, to table the federal in Canada but globally as well. framework on Lyme disease in Canada. We are making sure these small businesses succeed, have the ability to grow, and have the ability to scale up and create good- Some hon. members: Oh, oh! quality jobs. That is why, over the past eight months, over a quarter of a million full-time good-quality jobs have been created in the Canadian economy. Mr. Joël Lightbound: Mr. Speaker, we were pleased. It clearly sets out the federal government's role in addressing Lyme disease in *** Canada. We were also pleased to invest $4 million to establish a VETERANS AFFAIRS Lyme disease research network. Mrs. Cathay Wagantall (Yorkton—Melville, CPC): Mr. Speak- er, two weeks ago I asked the Minister of National Defence what he I hear the members scream, but my own cousin has been affected was going to be doing to care for those who are suffering from by Lyme disease. It has taken years away from her youth. We know mefloquine toxicity. He stated: full well the impact that Lyme disease on families. We take this very ....we need to make sure that the surgeon general has the appropriate time to do seriously. That framework is what it is all about. the evidence-based work he is there for. Days later that study was released, and mefloquine was relegated The Speaker: Order. It is not pleasing to have interruptions. to a drug of last resort. Many of our veterans have testified about suffering life-altering reactions to this drug, yet the Liberals continue to do nothing. *** What support is the government going to give to those who were forced to take mefloquine and are suffering the side effects? PUBLIC SERVICES AND PROCUREMENT Hon. Kent Hehr (Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, our government Ms. Sheri Benson (Saskatoon West, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the takes seriously the issues men and women face from their military Phoenix fiasco has been dragging on for over a year and a half, with service. no end in sight. Now, just as the summer hiring season begins, we hear the Phoenix backlog has surged by 10%. In fact, our doors are open for any member of the Canadian Armed Forces who is now a veteran and who needs needs services and can tie their injury to their service. We encourage any one of This is when 5,000 students are expected to get summer jobs with these members to come forward and work with the 4,000 mental the federal government. What is the government's plan to ensure that health professionals we work with from coast to coast to coast. all students get the pay they so desperately need? It seems obvious: how does it expect to retain the best talent for the future if it cannot We have expanded access to our military family resource centres even guarantee a paycheque? and we are investing in a centre of excellence on PTSD and mental health issues. Our government is delivering for veterans. Mr. Steven MacKinnon (Parliamentary Secretary to the *** Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, of course we are well aware of the many hardships that have been HEALTH caused by the problems associated with the Phoenix pay system. Mr. Colin Carrie (Oshawa, CPC): Mr. Speaker, the federal That is why our government has invested $142 million on top of our framework on Lyme disease offers no new solutions and no new earlier initiatives in order to add capacity, in order to process these ideas or hope for Canadians living with this horrible disease. In fact, transactions, in order to adopt better technologies and have an Lyme disease advocates and experts were left out of the process for employee-centric system that will get us to where we need to go. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12415

Oral Questions Students are of particular concern, and we are obviously working INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS very hard to ensure that all summer students and indeed all public Mrs. Cathy McLeod (Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, servants have a positive experience. CPC): Mr. Speaker, for the last year and a half, I have been asking *** the minister what she will do to ensure financial transparency for first nations. In return, I have had platitudes. I have had talk about [Translation] transparency being important, that she and the chiefs are talking, but nothing has been done. Somehow she says that empowering AGRICULTURE AND AGRIFOOD grassroots band members to have the same information that Ms. Ruth Ellen Brosseau (Berthier—Maskinongé, NDP): Mr. everyone else has is paternalistic. How much longer do they have Speaker, it has been nearly three years since farmers lost their to wait? preferential status under the United States' Perishable Agricultural Ms. Yvonne Jones (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Commodities Act, and they have been losing significant amounts of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we fully money for even longer than that because of this Liberal government's believe in an open and transparent process of dealing with first inaction. This issue, which has now been transferred to the Minister nations. We believe in full accountability for all first nations. of Innovation, is being bounced around like a hot potato. There is a process in place at this time whereby members can Our fruit and vegetable producers are tired of the government obtain the information through their bands in their respective areas. playing ping-pong with their industry. However, the government is working with first nations toward a new model of transparency and accountability on disclosure of expenses When will the government take its responsibilities seriously and and income. We will continue to do that in consultation with the implement a payment protection system for fruit and vegetable indigenous councils. producers? ● (1155) Mr. Jean-Claude Poissant (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, our Mrs. Cathy McLeod (Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, government is firmly committed to the financial success of the fruit CPC): Mr. Speaker, again, more platitudes and a lack of and vegetable industry. We are looking at how we can support this transparency for the people who are desperately asking for it. It is important Canadian industry by working together on a national food unacceptable. policy and a new strategic framework. We are continuing to look at all available options for a payment protection system for producers. The Liberal government chooses to enforce the laws that it wants and not the other ones. Liberals have no trouble saying 15,000 youth *** can go to jail for marijuana possession because that is the law. [English] There is a law on the books. The Liberals either need to have the guts to get rid of it, or enforce it. FOREIGN AFFAIRS Ms. Yvonne Jones (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mr. Scott Reid (Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston, CPC): Mr. Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, as the Speaker, next week, the Falkland Islands will be on the agenda at the member knows, the former government imposed legislation and General Assembly of the Organization of American States. policy around transparency and accountability on first nations. That is not the way we do business. We work in consultation with first In 2013, the people of the Falkland Islands voted nearly nations. unanimously to remain part of the United Kingdom. Representatives from the Falklands were in Ottawa this week seeking reassurance We have been working hard with many indigenous organizations, that the Liberals will follow the lead of the Harper government and including the AFN and the Aboriginal Financial Officers Associa- stand up for their right of self-determination. tion, on ways to enhance that mutual accountability. We are going to be implementing a process that is a consensus of all involved that Will the government stand up for the self-determination of the will have full accountability and transparency measures. people of the Falkland Islands at next week's General Assembly, yes or no? *** Hon. Chrystia Freeland (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lib.): HUMAN RIGHTS Mr. Speaker, I am indeed very much looking forward to attending the OAS meeting the week after next, as this is a very important Mr. James Maloney (Etobicoke—Lakeshore, Lib.): Mr. Speak- organization and Canada is proud of our membership. We are also er, all individuals should be treated with respect and dignity, very proud of our close connection with the United Kingdom, one of regardless of their sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender our closest friends in the world. identity. From appointing the member for Edmonton Centre as the Prime Minister's Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 Issues to introducing I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Bill C-16, which is currently before the Senate, our government has the United Kingdom for having successfully completed their general consistently demonstrated our commitment to the promotion and election. protection of LGBTQ rights. 12416 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Oral Questions Could the Minister of Foreign Affairs update the House on the two for Cumberland—Colchester for his question and for the work he developments announced yesterday that would advance the rights of does on this file. LGBTQ people globally? [English] Hon. Chrystia Freeland (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, yesterday our government was truly delighted to We recognize the impact that a stroke can have on individuals and announce that Canada will be the new co-chair of the Equal Rights their families, and that in many cases it is a family member who Coalition. takes time off work to help with the recovery. That is why our government is moving forward on our commitment to help The coalition is made up of more than 30 countries and promotes Canadians who are supporting the needs of an ill family member and protects the human rights of lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, by making benefits more inclusive and flexible. and intersex people globally. This is an important step forward for LGBTQ2 rights internationally, and I am so proud that Canada is [Translation] contributing as co-chair, especially in this month when my city is celebrating— These changes will have a real impact and will help caregivers to The Speaker: The hon. member for Cariboo—Prince George. continue to receive an income and keep their jobs in difficult times. *** *** CANADIAN COAST GUARD REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Mr. Todd Doherty (Cariboo—Prince George, CPC): Mr. Mr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): Mr. Speaker, Speaker, in addition to cutting the critical search and rescue dive the Liberal government has been in power for two years. It has spent program in British Columbia just as we enter the busiest boating those two years making endless project and spending announce- season and tourism season, the Minister of Fisheries, as we learned ments all over the place and tooting its own horn about how it is last week, was quietly planning to close Coast Guard stations working for all Canadian regions. throughout Manitoba and Ontario. Why? The Liberals feel this money could be better spent somewhere else. It has not done anything for Quebec City, though. It has not done anything for Beauport 2020, for the Quebec Bridge, for the cruise The Liberal government is putting at risk the lives of thousands of ship terminal, or for the Institut nordique du Québec. It does not even Canadians who use our waterways. Will the minister stand in the have a minister responsible for Quebec City. House right now and reverse this decision? Mr. Terry Beech (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Do the Liberals even realize that Quebec City exists? What is the Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Lib.): Mr. problem? Speaker, the Canadian Coast Guard prioritizes the safety of ● (1200) Canadians above all else. We can say with confidence that the Vancouver harbour is safer today than it was two years ago, thanks to Mr. Marc Miller (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the reopening of the Kitsilano Coast Guard and this government's Infrastructure and Communities, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I toured investment in the oceans protection plan. This means an increase in Quebec recently. We have 256 projects under way in Quebec, and search and rescue personnel over the next three years, and four new our total investment there is $2.8 billion. We are here for Quebec, lifeboat stations on the west coast. Of course, we will continue to and we are investing in Quebec. work closely with our search and rescue partners to ensure all required capabilities are provided to make sure that we keep British I have been talking to mayors from the regions. I have spoken to Columbians, and all Canadians, safe. about 20 of them. They are practically in tears because they are finally able to move forward with community projects they have *** been trying to get for at least a decade. They are practically in tears HEALTH because they are so overjoyed and proud to be making these projects happen so they can make things better for their communities and the Mr. Bill Casey (Cumberland—Colchester, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, people who need these things. People can choose which community having lost my oldest brother Brian to a stroke a few years ago, and they want to call home, and they choose communities where as a heart attack survivor myself, my family, like thousands of other governments are investing, and that is what we are doing. Canadian families, has experienced first-hand the awful effects of heart disease and stroke. On Wednesday, the Heart & Stroke *** Foundation released its “2017 Stroke Report”, which indicates that the number of Canadians living with a stroke could almost double. CONSULAR AFFAIRS Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health Mr. Luc Thériault (Montcalm, BQ): Mr. Speaker, a week ago, inform the House of the government's actions and plans to support Raif Badawi's children had a message for the Prime Minister. They those recovering from a stroke, and their caregivers? said it was unfair that their father is in prison, that he did not kill anyone, and all he did was create a blog. [Translation] Mr. Joël Lightbound (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister They asked the Prime Minister to pick up the phone and call the of Health, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank the member King of Saudi Arabia so that their father could come home. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12417

Routine Proceedings That was their heartfelt plea. [English]

Did the Prime Minister call the Saudi Arabian king to have Raif AIR TRANSPORTATION Badawi released, as his children have asked? Hon. Hunter Tootoo (Nunavut, Ind.): Mr. Speaker, my question [English] is for the Minister of Transport. Mr. Omar Alghabra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs), Lib.): Mr. Speaker, our In May, the Auditor General released a report highlighting government, myself included, has raised the case of Mr. Badawi at Transport Canada's failure to show leadership when addressing the the highest level with the Saudi government. We will continue to ask infrastructure needs of Nunavut airports. Our airports do not meet for clemency for Mr. Badawi. We appeal, for humanitarian reasons, Canadian safety standards. They lack safe runways, adequate to see Mr. Badawi reunited with his family. I want to take a moment lighting, and vital weather and navigational aids. I have seen this to commend Mr. Badawi's wife, whom I have met several times, for first-hand, because I have been in every airport in Nunavut. It is the her courage and her strength. only way to access our communities and transport essential goods and services. This is simply unacceptable. [Translation] Will the minister commit to taking the lead and address these Mr. Luc Thériault (Montcalm, BQ): Mr. Speaker, the Minister urgent infrastructure needs? of Foreign Affairs talked about some lofty principles this week. She told us that Canada needs to show leadership and that Canada would Hon. Marc Garneau (Minister of Transport, Lib.): Mr. do just that. Speaker, our government recognizes the importance of safe air services in the north, and we welcome the Auditor General's report. That is all well and good, but what about human rights? Why is We will be collaborating with the territorial governments, as well as this government in discussions with the Saudis for the sale of arms, northern communities and indigenous groups, in order to identify the but it refuses to talk to them about human rights? priorities with respect to northern transportation. I was in Iqaluit last year to talk specifically about this. If this government wants to be taken seriously and regarded as a serious leader, when will it speak up and demand Raif Badawi's As members know, in the 2017 budget, we did identify a national release? trade corridors fund, and that will also specifically recognize [English] transportation in the north of our country, as well as the $2 billion rural and northern infrastructure— Mr. Omar Alghabra (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs), Lib.): Mr. Speaker, our *** government has been consistent. Human rights promotion is a pillar of our foreign policy. Everywhere we go, every time we meet with ● (1205) government officials, our ambassadors, our heads of missions around the world, are promoting human rights and calling for equal rights to PRESENCE IN GALLERY all. Mr. Badawi's case has been important to our government. We The Speaker: I would like to draw to the attention of hon. will continue to appeal to the Saudi government, on a humanitarian members the presence in the gallery of the Honourable Ricardo basis, for clemency so he is reunited with his family. Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism for the Province of Alberta. *** [Translation] Some hon. members: Hear, hear! INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS Mr. Luc Thériault (Montcalm, BQ): Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister blows hot and cold when it comes to Quebec. After telling ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Philippe Couillard to take a hike, he now wants Quebeckers to feel more at home in Canada. The last time a Trudeau risked his neck for [English] change, he sent the Quebec nation into exile. CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND ETHICS COMMISSIONER Will the Prime Minister finally respond to the Quebec National The Speaker: Pursuant to paragraph 90(1)(a) of the Parliament of Assembly's unanimous resolution asking him to respect Quebec's Canada Act, it is my duty to present to the House the annual report laws and change Bill C-44? of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner in relation to the Mr. Marc Miller (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Conflict of Interest Code for members of the House of Commons for Infrastructure and Communities, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, with regard the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. to Bill C-44, I am pleased to inform the member that infrastructure projects in Quebec and every other province will comply with all Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(a), this document is deemed to applicable laws, in this case, Quebec's laws. That is important to us, have been permanently referred to the Standing Committee on and the projects will comply with the law at all times. Procedure and House Affairs. 12418 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Routine Proceedings [Translation] This report could have served as a very strong voice on behalf of a generation of women who have been objectified and had their OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL OF CANADA equality undermined by violent and degrading sexually explicit The Speaker: I have the honour to lay upon the table the 2016-17 material. Instead, however, this committee study was limited to the annual reports of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada on the smallest number of meetings possible, witnesses were prevented Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. from appearing, and the majority of witness testimony was in fact ignored. This document is deemed to have been permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. For this reason, the Conservative members are tabling a dissenting report. *** [English] If we are serious about this topic and preventing rape culture from developing further in Canada, we must do more. INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE Mr. Rodger Cuzner (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister NATURAL RESOURCES of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, Lib.): Mr. Mr. James Maloney (Etobicoke—Lakeshore, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, “Canada's Report with Respect to International Labour Organization the fifth report of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, instruments”, adopted at the 103rd session and the 104th session of entitled “The Nuclear Sector at a Crossroads: Fostering Innovation the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. and Energy Security for Canada and the World”; and the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, entitled “De- *** risking the Adoption of Clean Technology in Canada's Natural SUPPORTING VESTED RIGHTS UNDER ACCESS TO Resources Sector”. INFORMATION ACT Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the Hon. Ralph Goodale (Minister of Public Safety and Emer- government table a comprehensive response to these reports. gency Preparedness, Lib.) moved for leave to introduce Bill C-52, An Act to amend Chapter 6 of the Statutes of Canada, 2012. I would like to thank our clerk and our analysts, and all the (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed) committee members and witnesses, for working so hard to prepare and deliver this unanimous report. *** *** COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE FAIR, DEMOCRATIC AND SUSTAINABLE TRADE ACT GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND ESTIMATES Mr. Peter Julian (New Westminster—Burnaby, NDP) moved Mr. Tom Lukiwski (Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, for leave to introduce Bill C-358, An Act to provide for fair, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table, in both official democratic and sustainable trade treaties. languages, the eighth report of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates regarding the study of He said: Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased to present today the fair, supplementary estimates (A) for the years 2017-18. democratic and sustainable trade act, which is a true progressive and HEALTH environmental approach to international trade. Mr. Bill Casey (Cumberland—Colchester, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I [Translation] have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 11th report As the House knows, often, in the past, governments have of the Standing Committee on Health, entitled “Report on the Public introduced bills on international trade that were neither fair nor Health Effects of the Ease of Access and Viewing of Online Violent democratic. and Degrading Sexually Explicit material on Children, Women and Men”. [English] Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the This legislation would change that and would bring in a trade government table a comprehensive response to this report. framework that meets the progressive Canadian values of transpar- ency, democracy, and fairness. I want to thank the committee and the witnesses for their good work on this. Although it was a wide-ranging subject, with a lot of [Translation] interest, we attempted to stay focused on the issue exactly as outlined It is now time for Canada to show leadership and innovation in the reference to the committee. I think we succeeded in doing that. when it comes to democratic treaties and fair trade. We look forward to the response from the government. [English] ● (1210) Ms. Rachael Harder (Lethbridge, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I would Now is the time for a fair, democratic, and sustainable approach to first like to thank the hon. member for Peace River—Westlock for trade and fair, democratic, and sustainable trade treaties. I hope all putting forward Motion No. 47. members of Parliament will support this important legislation. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12419

Routine Proceedings (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed) Centre de femmes Montcalm. These women are doing a tremendous job. The idea for this petition arose out of a public awareness and *** education workshop called Pour ma santé et celle de la planète. The PETITIONS participants were surprised to see how rare it is to find lists of ingredients on household products, and even more surprised that PALLIATIVE CARE there is no labelling legislation in Canada. Mr. Blaine Calkins (Red Deer—Lacombe, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, on behalf of my constituents and people This petition calls on the Minister of Health to make it mandatory from all over western Canada, several petitions. The first couple of to list ingredients on household products based on the listing petitions deal with health and with palliative care. regulations for cosmetics. It is a public health and environmental The petitioners are calling on the government to do more for protection issue. Chemical contamination does not discriminate—it palliative care. affects everyone. SEX SELECTION [English] Mr. Blaine Calkins (Red Deer—Lacombe, CPC): Mr. Speaker, the second petition deals with people's disdain for the fact that once 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONFEDERATION the gender of a baby in the womb is known, abortions are still allowed to be performed. The petitioners are calling on the Hon. Peter Van Loan (York—Simcoe, CPC): Mr. Speaker, the government to end the practice of sex-selection abortions. Liberal war on history has prompted many historical societies to ABORTION forward petitions to me, and today I am presenting another one on the subject of the petitioners asking the Government of Canada to Mr. Blaine Calkins (Red Deer—Lacombe, CPC): Mr. Speaker, respect and celebrate history during the 150th anniversary of the third petition deals with the overall issue of abortion. Confederation. THALIDOMIDE Mr. Gordon Brown (Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands The members of the West Elgin Genealogical and Historical and Rideau Lakes, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present Society have signed this petition. Their community draws its roots electronic petition e-786, which has been signed by more than 900 from Canada's southern railway. This is a railway that was part of the Canadians from all across Canada. The petitioners are calling on the Confederation era focus on railways as a mechanism to connect government to change the criteria to qualify for the thalidomide Canada. compensation package by including an assessment by a qualified medical professional who specializes in deformities caused by The petitioners call on the government to make Confederation a thalidomide, since many survivors cannot access medical records. theme of the 150th anniversary of Confederation, reversing the This week the health committee submitted a letter to the minister Liberal government's decision to exclude it as a theme. calling on the government to do exactly that. In addition, the petitioners also ask the government to err on the side of compassion FALUN GONG to help these victims, who have endured a life of pain and suffering and discrimination. Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, it ● (1215) is a pleasure today to table a petition from a number of residents in BEE POPULATION Winnipeg in regard to when the Communist Party launched an intensive nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate Falun Gong Mr. Alistair MacGregor (Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, in July 1999. Literally hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong NDP): Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise again in the House on practitioners have been detained in forced labour camps, brainwash- behalf of the amazing constituents of Cowichan—Malahat— ing centres, and prisons, where torture and abuse are routine and Langford to present more petitions on behalf of bees. The petitioners thousands have died as a result. recognize that the mortality rate for colonies of bees and other pollinators has been rising for the past three years; that insects, primarily bees, play a role in the pollination of 70% of flowering I have four petitions on that issue I would like to table today. The plants; and that honeybees contribute more than $2.2 billion to petitioners are calling on parliamentarians to do what we can to Canada's agricultural economy each year. Therefore, the petitioners address this issue. call upon the government to take concrete steps to solve this problem, to develop a strategy to address the multiple factors related TAXATION to bee-colony deaths, and to force seed companies not to sell seed that has been treated with neonicotinoids and other pesticides. Mr. Jamie Schmale (Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, [Translation] CPC): Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions to present to the House calling on the Minister of Finance to ensure that Canada's tax policy LABELLING OF HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS with respect to campgrounds recognizes them as active businesses Mr. Luc Thériault (Montcalm, BQ): Mr. Speaker, the petition I similar to other tourism operators, such as hotels, in order that they am tabling today comes from an organization in my riding, the may claim the small business tax deduction. 12420 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Government Orders QUESTIONS ON THE ORDER PAPER sockeye instead of the average of 750 million. This is identified as Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Parliamentary Secretary to the critical. We also have a marine debris problem that is hitting our Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.): coastal beaches. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all questions be allowed to stand. The Speaker: Is that agreed? The Liberals said they would make every part of this country count. The people in my community do not know why they do not Some hon. members: Agreed. count in this government's agenda. What can the people of the west coast of Vancouver Island do to raise their voices so they can be heard? GOVERNMENT ORDERS This is a place where the Prime Minister goes on holiday and [English] walks the beach but forgets to go into those communities to find out how it is impacting them when they are not able to fish because it is BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION ACT, 2017, NO. 1 closed. We do not invest in restoration, we do not invest in protecting The House resumed consideration of the motion that Bill C-44, our habitat, and we do not invest in cleaning up marine debris. It is An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in impacting our communities, and the government is forgetting us. Parliament on March 22, 2017 and other measures, be read the third time and passed. Maybe the member could talk about what it feels like in his Mr. Daniel Blaikie (Elmwood—Transcona, NDP): Mr. Speaker, community when the government forgets it. it is a pleasure to rise today to speak to the government's implementation bill at third reading. I will try to explain what we Mr. Alupa Clarke (Beauport—Limoilou, CPC): Madam think is deficient in the government's budget proposal. There are a Speaker, I am from Quebec City, and all our major projects are number of things, but I will start with some of the topics that are near left out. The member that responded said that all over the province of and dear to my heart. I would like to try to explain what is Quebec, mayors are crying, because they are asking for projects. inadequate about the government's budget implementation legisla- They will be crying for a long time, because the infrastructure bank tion and also try to give a sense of how the government might have will not be able to pay for small projects in municipalities. proceeded in a way that was appropriate. Concerning the protection of the coasts, we cannot protect the If we consider housing, for instance— coasts without ships. We in the Conservative government put ● (1220) contracts in place with Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver to build 10 The Speaker: Order, please. I am terribly sorry, but clearly there new ships for the Coast Guard and for research projects. Those ships has been some kind of mix-up. I did not understand that there was have major delays. We have not heard from the government time remaining in questions and comments following the speech by concerning that. the hon. member for Beauport—Limoilou. I ask the member for Elmwood—Transcona to forgive my mistake. I would say that the most terrible thing about this budget is that it does not speak to all Canadians. It speaks to a particular group of [Translation] interests. It speaks to one single class, the middle class. The Liberals We are on questions and comments. call it a feminist budget. That is unbelievable. Why is it not a Canadian budget? [English] I see the hon. member for Courtenay—Alberni is anxious to have [Translation] a question. Mr. Gérard Deltell (Louis-Saint-Laurent, CPC): Madam Mr. Gord Johns (Courtenay—Alberni, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I Speaker, I listened carefully to what my colleague from Beauport thank my hon. colleague for his speech, and I particularly want to —Limoilou had to say. We Conservatives are very careful about thank him for mentioning the importance of coastal waterways here managing public funds; we are always referring to the heads of in Canada and the regions in this country that feel left out, despite families. Good heads of families live within their means. Without the government's promise that it would recognize and represent all getting into personal details, the member for Beauport—Limoilou is areas of our country. a dad for the second time. When the Liberals announced their ocean protection plan rollout, we eagerly anticipated seeing the details. Recently they announced As a father, would he manage his personal budget the way the $75 million for a coastal restoration fund that would support habitat Prime Minister is managing the government’s budget? restoration and address threats to marine species. We welcomed these announcements, but when they identified 11 priority areas for Mr. Alupa Clarke: Madam Speaker, the answer to my colleague coastal restoration, they forgot one area on the west coast of British is “certainly not”. To pick up where my colleague left off, tomorrow Columbia, the west coast of Vancouver Island, despite a low return I will be moving into my first home. For the first time in my life, I of sockeye that were expected in our region. It is a critical stage. took out a mortgage. My banker looked at how I conduct my DFO has announced that we will get about 170 million returning finances and said, “my goodness, you really are a Conservative!” June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12421

Government Orders After being a military student, I became a member of Parliament like to speak to it. I was wondering how much time is left in this in 2015. I have not spent lavishly and I put money aside to buy a debate. house. I was able to make a down payment. It is true that we are paid very well, and I have nothing to complain about, but I managed to do The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Cathy McLeod): I do not believe that it because I was disciplined and reasonable. As well, I have arranged is a point of order. However, the debate will be adjourning on this at it so that two years from now, if ever I am not a member of 1:15. Parliament, I will still be able to live reasonably. I made arrangements in order to make it through. We have time for a very short question. Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Parliamentary Secretary to the Any responsible government should secure its finances and not Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.): put itself at risk if the economy were to get worse. Madam Speaker, when the member across the way talks about I will conclude by saying that they have ended security— deficit, I am sure he knows the reality of the situation. When Stephen Harper became prime minister, there was a multi-billion-dollar ● (1225) surplus, which he turned into a multi-billion-dollar deficit. He never The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Cathy McLeod): The hon. member really had a surplus. for Laurentides—Labelle. [English] Why should this government take any advice from a Conservative Mr. David de Burgh Graham (Laurentides—Labelle, Lib.): Party that has been an absolute total disaster? In fact, it added over Madam Speaker, I congratulate you on your temporary role. $160 billion of total debt to our nation. [Translation] Mr. Alupa Clarke: Madam Speaker, I do not want him to take advice from the party, but from the Canadian people. I would like to thank my colleague from Beauport—Limoilou for his speech. We are the voice of the taxpayers, and they are saying that enough At the end of his speech he said that his party is a good manager is enough. If the Liberals are increasing the deficit, they should do it of taxpayer dollars. for a good reason and let Canadians know when it is going to end. That is not the case right now. I find this is not entirely accurate. During the 10 years that the Conservatives were in office, we had $150-billion deficits. We also Mr. Daniel Blaikie (Elmwood—Transcona, NDP): Madam have deficits, this is true. We will get back to that a little later. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to highlight some of the NDP's objections to Bill C-44 at third reading. What did we get for all that? As we analyzed the bill, it became clear that we do not oppose the Nothing. Under the Conservatives, economic growth ranged from actions of government because it is made up of Liberals, but we 1% to 1.5%. With the Liberals, economic growth was stronger in 18 oppose the Liberals because of their actions. The legislation is rife months than it was during the 10 years the Conservatives were in with things that would not take the country in the right direction and power. it fails to live up to the very commitments made not by us in the last If we look at the deficits from a historical standpoint, for over a election campaign but by the Liberals themselves. century, the Conservatives have never been able to get out of deficit, although they inherited surpluses from the Liberals twice, namely in I want to highlight some of those problems and also suggest other 1912 and in 2006. ways that the government might have proceeded that would have helped to attain the goals it says it wants to attain. The Conservatives have never been able to balance the budget without selling off government assets. Let me start with housing. No money was allocated in the budget Mr. Alupa Clarke: Madam Speaker, I do not agree. proper for a national housing strategy this year, and that is unfortunate. There is some money promised for down the road, First, there is the historical context. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, we but this is unfortunate because for all the words that come from a ran controlled, reasonable, and responsible deficits in response to the government, statements on positions and everything else, it is really biggest economic crisis since the depression of the 1930s. where a government spends its money that we learn its priorities and we see what it is serious about. It was not a promising sign to see no Interestingly, we had fantastic results because in 2011, 2012, and money right away. 2013 we posted the best outcomes in the OECD: over 1.2 million jobs created, the best GDP, and the best economic growth of OECD We in the NDP support the idea of the development of a national countries. housing strategy but it would have been nice to see in the budget As well, in November 2015, we left a $3-billion surplus, which implementation bill some legislation that would create ongoing was confirmed by Department of Finance officials. statutory funding for housing. That is because reliable, stable funding, year over year, is the basis for a well-functioning and [English] reliable national housing strategy that could put a meaningful dent in Mr. Arnold Viersen: Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I the dearth of affordable housing and social housing that we currently understand that this debate is under time allocation. I would really have in Canada. 12422 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Government Orders Putting money in the budget would have been one way the as a coercive tool to get provinces to sign on to a funding model that government could have signalled its seriousness about a national they had roundly criticized and that the federal Liberals had roundly housing plan. Instead it is left to the ad hoc decision-making of criticized. government year over year.

The NDP has proposed in the past, through private member's bills, Therefore, it was a serious switch of priority and strategy by the legislation for a meaningful and permanent national housing federal government, and I think a serious broken promise on one of strategy, including provisions for how to consult and develop that the most important issues of public policy in Canada. That is what plan so that decisions would not just be made at the cabinet table. the bill represents in its current form. I think that is shameful, and I Everyday Canadians would have the opportunity on an ongoing cannot but draw attention to the fact that now, frankly, we do not basis to feed information from their own lived experiences and those really have a national health accord, because 10 side deals, and we of their friends, neighbours, and family, into that ongoing strategy are not even at 10 yet but nine out of 10, do not a health accord that would have reliable, multi-year funding going forward. make. I raise that as an example of how the government in the legislation could have signalled and solidified its commitment to a national This was the opportunity. After the Harper government reneged on housing strategy. It was disappointing not to see that. Instead, we the idea or passed up the opportunity to create a new national health have the word of the Liberals that the money will come. accord after the health accord of 2004 expired in 2014, there was a We have their word on a lot of issues. It is hard to believe that the moment to bring the provinces together to negotiate a new health Liberals will be able to achieve all of their goals given the current accord in the way that former prime minister Paul Martin did in state of the country's finances and the choices that they have made in 2004. There was a moment to be able to do that again, and it terms of not seriously going after, for instance, large tax offenders certainly seemed like the federal Liberals were posturing to fill that and in terms of not raising the corporate tax rate. I will have more to role, which would have been good. They ought to have done that, say on that later. but they passed it up and adopted the Harper ultimatum, although they gave themselves a bigger stick with the promises of home care The other thing in the bill that is an important priority for me and and mental health money. for the NDP is the health care funding. What was promised in the election campaign by the Liberals and by the Prime Minister was promised on the basis of a criticism of the previous government and Now it is an open question as to when we are going to get that Stephen Harper's plan for health care funding that would cut the opportunity again. It is on the current Prime Minister's shoulders that regular increases by the federal government for health spending from we may lose the opportunity to have a meaningful national health 6% to 3%. That was roundly criticized by Liberals in the last accord for a generation. I think that is seriously shameful and campaign and there was a clear promise in their platform and by the something that I hope Liberals across the way who ran on the idea of Prime Minister that not only would he not adopt the Stephen Harper having a new national health accord appreciate that they are funding model but that he would change the way the funding model complicit in, having Canadians miss out for a generation on a was decided. The Prime Minister said he would convene a meeting meaningful national health accord, because that is not what the of premiers to talk about a new national health accord. funding arrangement in the legislation before us represents. After the election the premiers took the Prime Minister at his word and asked to have that meeting. On a number of occasions they This includes not having a national pharmacare plan, for instance. held joint press conferences calling on the Prime Minister to convene It would be wonderful if in this budget implementation act we saw a national meeting of premiers to discuss a new national health the legal provisions necessary to institute a national pharmacare accord, but they never had that meeting. The legislation is the plan. A national pharmacare plan would allow us to provide more outcome of that broken promise by the Prime Minister to convene equitable drug coverage to Canadians across the country so that it that meeting and to meaningfully include premiers in deciding the would not matter where one lived in Canada, one would get good structure and the framework of health funding in Canada going access to the prescription medication one needed. It would allow forward. Canadians to do this at a lower out-of-pocket price for the portion they would be responsible for. It would also allow governments to ● (1230) provide better service at a cheaper rate, and there have been all sorts Instead, the Liberals adopted a divide-and-conquer strategy where of estimates. If we triangulate the lowball estimates and the higher they went to each province separately and made side deals, the gist estimates, it is quite reasonable to think that we could be saving of which in all cases was to get provinces to sign on to the very same Canadian taxpayers in the neighbourhood of $7 billion annually if Harper model of funding health care that they had opposed during we had a national pharmacare plan. the election. That is what is represented in the bill. On the additional money the Liberals promised during the election This was something the Liberals promised in 1993, if members for home care and mental health, instead of flowing to the provinces can believe it, and here we are today. However, as we did prior to out of the commitment made by the Prime Minister and Liberals in 1993, consistently after 1993, and are doing today, the NDP will the last campaign, it became a condition of their signing on to the continue to advocate for a national pharmacare plan until we have Stephen Harper model. This money was used instead as a threat and one. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12423

Government Orders I think it is shameful to think that after all those years, 25 years is convenient for the government to talk now about what it wants to after Jean Chrétien got elected with a compelling majority and a do in 2027, 2030, 2040, or 2050. I think 2055 is when the clear promise to have a national pharmacare plan, we still have to be government says it might balance the books. here talking about it. We are not talking about the details of it, whether it is working well, or how it could save Canadians more This is not a real debate. It does a disservice to this place and money if we modified the plan this way or that. We are still talking Canadians for a government to pretend that by announcing money about establishing one at all, which I think is a great shame. 10 years into the future, it is doing a real thing. This is really indicative of its priorities. People in this place deserve better and the We had promises from the Liberals as well to restore lifetime people we represent deserve better. Therefore, I make no apologies pensions for veterans, but that is not anywhere in the act. When we for focusing on the next few years and what the government talk about commitments made and how those get followed through announced in spending, because the rest has yet to come. on where it really counts, which is where the money gets spent, we see another promise coming up empty. On my point about housing, if the Liberals were serious about ● (1235) long-term funding, they would have included it in the legislation. It We still hear repeated promises from the Minister of Veterans is the case sometimes that five-year or 10-year plans are required to Affairs and that we should just wait, that it is coming. However, the address something, which is certainly true when addressing the government has continued with the court case it promised to stop shortage of affordable and social housing. However, the bill does not against Equitas and Canadian veterans. It is saying that there is no include a national housing strategy and funds for that strategy. sacred covenant between Canada and its veterans. It has money to Statutory funds for that strategy is the way to do it. spend on that, money that would be better spent on veterans who, through their service, have earned our respect and deserve to live At the very least, it appears to be a sign of insincerity when with dignity. The government should be doing that with the money. governments talk about the need for a long-term plan, but do not want any accompanying legislation that would mandate the money It is the same when it comes to first nations. The government is and lay out the consultation process for that kind of long-term continuing to spend money it promised it would not, fighting first spending. Long-term spending like that ought not be done willy- nations in court. It could be flowing the money, money that the nilly. If a 10-year plan is required, there should also be a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and many other bodies have said corresponding structure, which is appropriate to lay out in is owing to first nations people as an important piece of the legislation, and provide a legislative guarantee of those funds. We reconciliation process. It would help get first nations people in do not see that in the bill. Canada back on their feet and address the endemic problems in their communities, so they could become full participants in all the However, what we see is a guarantee for a structure going wealth, resources, and quality of life that Canada has to offer. They forward, not just for 10 years but indefinitely. Canadian taxpayer have been excluded from that for far too long. Nothing in the money is going to be used to pad the pockets of corporate Canada. legislation addresses that. That is shameful. When we talk about legislating priorities in the On my point about veterans, they have said clearly that lifetime budget implementation bill and putting one's money where one's pensions have to be restored. The Liberals clearly said that as well. mouth is, the Liberals are doing that. The New Democrats have been advocating for that. One would assume there would be wide support. There certainly would be ● (1240) support on the NDP benches for restoring lifetime pensions, yet it is nowhere in the legislation. The Liberals are talking about a $35 billion fund that will be used to privatize infrastructure and make it easy for large corporations, not The Liberals talk big about spending priorities, but the recent even large Canadian corporations, but large international corpora- release of the defence review is a very good indication of what it tions, to own Canadian infrastructure and dictate to Canadians what means to be a Liberal spending priority. It means money announced they will pay to use a highway or cross a bridge, so they can make for 2026, 2027, 2028. By the time our grandkids are adults, they will money on that. Then, when it is not making money anymore, if the start spending money on this serious priority. plan is ill-conceived and it does not generate the 7% to 9% return they thought it would make, they will walk away from the project, It is frustrating to see large numbers being thrown about, and Canadian taxpayers will pay the bill. including on infrastructure, knowing that many years and a number of elections will have to occur before the time arrives to spend that We see what the Liberal priorities are in this bill. Unfortunately, money. they are not the priorities the Liberals espoused during the election This means we are not having a serious debate in Parliament about campaign. our priorities. Instead, we are playing a game of make-believe with Monopoly money. The Liberals can announce all sorts of money for The government talks about openness and transparency. We have 2035, but they will never have to deliver it. The circumstances will very good reason to doubt the sincerity of that. Yesterday we heard have changed so many times and in so many ways, in ways we that the Liberals' record on access to information requests, which is a cannot predict. When the time comes to spend that money, it will very reasonable measure of openness and transparency, was worse have been re-budgeted, reallocated, and changed many times over. It than the Harper government's was in its last year. 12424 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Government Orders The embarrassing appointment process, now the non-appointment be found to advance these important priorities is false. It is a question process, for Madeleine Meilleur to the position of Commissioner of of political will and a government willing to follow through on its Official Languages was far from open and transparent. The Prime commitments. Minister still will not admit that it was a mistake to think that such an overtly partisan person could be seen as independent enough to When we take all of that into consideration, it is clear that, not occupy the position of an independent officer of Parliament. There is only when we talk about the infrastructure bank, for instance, this is nothing open or transparent about that. not the way to go for Canada. This is not the way to build infrastructure. It is not value for money for Canadians. There are Canadians have every right to worry, with a proposal like the better ways of doing it. I have tried to highlight some of those. Not infrastructure bank, that they cannot expect the kind of openness and only is this not the right direction, but it does not even get us in the transparency one would need in order to evaluate whether it was direction the Liberals promised they would go in the last election. On getting value for money. all counts, Canadians should stand opposed to the bill. I know we will. It may well be true that more things get built as a result of the infrastructure bank, but they are not getting built for free. No one is ● (1245) building it out of charity for Canadians. The Saudi investment Mr. Darrell Samson (Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, Lib.): authority is not going to come to Canada because of the Mr. Speaker, the hon. member gave a very interesting speech and infrastructure bank and say that it got a letter from the bank, it touched on a lot of key points. heard we needed a major bridge, it would build it for us, do it cheaply and it would be a nice quality bridge, and not ask for The member called this an omnibus bill and then he went on to payment. Canadians are going to pay. If we are building more talk about all the extra things we should add to our budget. I infrastructure, we are paying more. There is no such thing as a free appreciate the fact that the member underlined all the good things we lunch. were doing, for example, infrastructure investment, which is extremely important. He talked about national health care, the To hear the Liberals on one hand espouse and call on some of their national housing strategy, and other interesting things. The member members' experience in business and finance and say they are smart did not mention the CPP, which would have been interesting. managers, then on the other hand pretend that somehow Canadians ultimately will not pay for every bit of infrastructure that is paid Sitting in opposition and talking about all the good things those under the bank, and in fact pay more, is farcical. Those investors will members would do is one thing. However, I would like to know demand a higher return than the banks the government could borrow where he and his party would have made cuts the that would have from, which was its promise in the election. It has been an ongoing been required to accomplish maybe half of what we will accomplish insult, frankly. in this budget.

When we talk about getting money to build more infrastructure by Throughout the election campaign the leader of the opposition borrowing at 2%, the Liberals like to say the NDP was going to said there would be no deficits. With all the good things we are balance the budget, so we would not have built any of that stuff. doing, without a deficit, it would only be half of the good things. Could the member expand on that? First, the stuff on the infrastructure bank is stuff for which they are borrowing money and they are borrowing it at a higher rate from ● (1250) other investors. The idea that this is not a deficit that Canadians are Mr. Daniel Blaikie: Mr. Speaker, I did try to explicitly answer incurring is factually wrong. The Liberals can play with the books, that question in my speech, because it was an obvious one to put it on the books of the infrastructure bank, or private investors, or anticipate. whatever, but at the end of the day it is the Canadian taxpayer who will pay for that. The Liberals are not fooling anyone on this side of My answer, essentially, is that Liberal cowardice in the face of the House. corporate Canada and their international corporate friends means that for the Liberals, for some reason, despite election promises, pursuing The other thing is this. The Liberals are not pursuing revenue revenue from the corporate sector, either by raising the corporate tax streams, or ways of saving money. When I talk about a national rate or closing tax loopholes, is not an option. pharmacare program, that is a way to save substantial amounts of money. If they were borrowing at 2% to build infrastructure instead That is an option for us. We are willing to stand up to corporate of 7% or 9%, they could build a lot of bridges and roads for $7 Canada and the international corporate elite and let them know they billion a year. need to pay their fair share. We do not have the same dilemma that the Liberals have, because we are not ideologically blocked from The Liberals voted for an NDP motion telling the government to pursuing reasonable revenue options. take meaningful action on closing tax havens and loopholes. A black and white commitment of the Liberals was that they would close the On the point about the CPP, I am glad the member mentioned it. In CEO stock option loophole. They passed that up. That is almost $1 turns out 20 minutes is not very long, and there were some other billion a year, and substantially more when we start addressing the points I wanted to address. issue of tax havens and tax cheats. Some have estimated that to be as high as in the order of $50 billion to $60 billion annually. That is a The Liberal CPP reforms are not in the budget implementation lot of money. Therefore, the idea that somehow there is no money to bill, which is why it was not a priority for me to mention it today. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12425

Government Orders However, in the bill are changes to the EI rules that would allow $58 million for freedom road is a good thing for the province of parents more choice with respect to their parental leave. The problem Manitoba? with the changes, and the reason why it relates to the CPP, is that it just illustrates that when Liberals try to do the right thing, either ● (1255) because they want to look progressive or maybe because they really mean it, they cannot quite get it right. With respect to CPP, they did not carry on with the dropout provisions for women and people The Speaker: Order. I remind the hon. member for Saint living with disabilities. On parental leave, people will make less Boniface—Saint Vital to direct his questions to the Chair. When we money over the 18 months than they would if they took the leave say “you” around here, it refers to the Speaker. I do not think he over 12 months. wants me to answer because I would not be able to anyway. Mr. Kevin Waugh (Saskatoon—Grasswood, CPC): Mr. Speak- er, the previous government had record spending on health care, 6% The hon. member for Elmwood—Transcona. a year. The health accord was one agreement. Mr. Daniel Blaikie: Mr. Speaker, I would say in response to the The Liberal government is all about separate and divide. It could member that the NDP, both federally and provincially, committed at not get a health accord agreement, so it divided each and every area, the outset to have freedom road built, and that is a good thing. starting first with Nova Scotia and a single agreement. Then it was New Brunswick, Newfoundland, finally getting through the provinces and territories. The member mentioned water, for which I would note there is nothing in this budget. However, I do not think the member's province of Manitoba signed on to the health accord. Could he comment on that? That is the only jurisdiction, I believe, that has not been divided or separated Also, there have been recent announcements that the Coast Guard by the Liberal government. facilities in Gimli and Kenora are on the closure list. If we still have time for a question and answer, I wonder if any of the Liberals from Mr. Daniel Blaikie: Mr. Speaker, that is true. Manitoba has not Manitoba would like to get up and let us know when they were first signed on yet. Initially I supported the Manitoba government's consulted about that, for how long they knew, and what steps they efforts to try to bring other provinces together in order to get a better took to make sure those Coast Guard facilities do not close. agreement, frankly, just a real agreement. Part of the problem with the divide and conquer strategy is that it causes us to lose the opportunity for a meaningful national health accord over the course [Translation] of a generation. Ms. Anne Minh-Thu Quach (Salaberry—Suroît, NDP): Mr. Recent events in Manitoba have shown that perhaps the premier of Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Elmwood—Transcona Manitoba's intentions were not so pure, and that he was looking for a for speaking to Bill C-44. Unfortunately he is the only NDP member scapegoat to be able to blame cuts that he was intending to make to who will have the opportunity to speak to the Liberals’ budget our health system anyway, like the closure of the Concordia ER in implementation bill. my riding, and deny going ahead with a personal care home expansion that had been on the books, was shovel ready, and the permit had been issued last July. That is in spite of a promise by the They had promised not to misuse omnibus bills, but then they Manitoba Conservatives to build more personal care home beds. gave us a 300-page bill that amends 30 pieces of legislation and limited debate on it twice. This makes it an antidemocratic bill in its There is more to the story. The Manitoba government is ruthlessly form and in the way it is debated. It is despicable. attacking our health care system, and I think it is holding out on this agreement to try to spread the blame. There is a lot of blame to go around. Canadians and Manitobans deserve a national health accord, The member showed us in his speech that the health negotiations, and the Liberal government should have done that. However, it does pension plans, and improvements to the employment insurance not explain all the cuts that are happening in Manitoba right now program are broken Liberal promises. either. Mr. Dan Vandal (Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, Lib.): Mr. The Liberals also focussed on young people to get elected, but Speaker, irrespective of the member's perspective, this is an excellent what are they doing for them? By 2030, just over 10 years from now, budget for the province of Manitoba, which we both represent. Total 40% of jobs are going to be automated. What do the Liberals have to transfers are at $3.7 billion, an increase of $150 million over 2016, say about precarious employment? They are telling young people to which is the largest total transfer since 2006. get used to it. Because budget 2017 is a continuation of 2016, as we speak, there is $58 million currently being spent in Manitoba on 24 water They promised to give a tax credit to small businesses that were projects for 24 first nations, including $20 million for freedom road. going to hire young people, but is that in the budget? Not at all. Are That is an increase of $10 million over our initial commitment. My jobs with benefits being created for young people? No. There is no question for the hon. member is a yes or no. Do you think that this old age pension for young people either. It is all just hot air. 12426 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Government Orders This budget does not provide any compensation to farmers. On companies, like ICON Digital Production's state-of-the-art visual top of featuring none of many things that were promised and dangled production facility, and Pond Technologies' commercialization of its in front of us, the budget only contains measures for the rich and research to fight climate change. These multinational Canadian does nothing for the middle class. headquarters and SMEs stand to serve as an example of the potential and ambition in Markham—Thornhill. I would like to know what my colleague thinks about Bill C-44, which reminds us of all the things we will not get and shows that the Liberals break their promises. Now, at a time when changes in the economy, both here at home Mr. Daniel Blaikie: Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her and around the world, present incredible opportunities for the middle question and raising the fact that this is an omnibus bill. It does class and those working hard to join it, with its strong focus on include a lot. There is a lot that we would like to see in the budget, innovation, skills, and partnerships, budget 2017 takes the next steps but that does not mean that we want all of it to be in one bill. By way to supporting Canadians as they acquire the knowledge and skills to of example, we would prefer it if the national housing strategy build a more prosperous future for Canada. One of those steps is legislation were not introduced as part of an omnibus bill. making big bets on sectors of the economy in which Canada can be a I thank my colleague for allowing me the opportunity to address world leader. This includes areas where Canada already has world- this point. leading expertise, like artificial intelligence. [English] Ms. Mary Ng (Markham—Thornhill, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, today [Translation] I will be sharing my time with the member for Sackville—Preston— Chezzetcook. Artificial intelligence is an emerging and promising sector with As the member of Parliament for Markham—Thornhill, I am huge potential to transform technologies. honoured to stand in this House today to speak in support of the budget bill, Bill C-44, which, if passed, would see important measures for helping the government meet the commitments it has [English] made to Canadians. First I would like to talk about some of those commitments we have already delivered on, commitments that are making a real The Government of Canada's advisory council on economic difference in the lives of families across the country, like lowering growth identified artificial intelligence as a platform technology that taxes on middle-class Canadians by increasing taxes on the will impact almost all sectors of the economy. Thanks to the wealthiest 1%. investments by the federal government and to the pioneering work ● (1300) done by outstanding Canadian researchers, Canada is a global leader in AI research and development. However, we are not alone. Other [Translation] countries also recognize the strategic importance of AI technology We also introduced the Canada child benefit, which is essential and are investing in research and innovation in this area. As a result, for helping families with the high cost of raising children. Canadian talent and ideas are in demand around the world. In order to fully harness the benefits of AI, we need to ensure that activity [English] remains here in Canada. That is why, through budget 2017, we have I am enormously proud that our government is represented by a dedicated $125 million to launch a pan-Canadian artificial gender-balanced cabinet. intelligence strategy. Budget 2017 is the next step in our long-term plan. Over the last couple of months, I have talked to and met with thousands of In addition to AI, our government is showing strong support for families in Markham—Thornhill, and I have heard their concerns business-led innovation, with an investment of $950 million over and aspirations for our community. They talked to me about how five years in superclusters. In key sectors such as digital and clean hard it is to commute for hours a day and how they want to see a tech, superclusters have enormous potential to accelerate economic transit plan that meets the needs of families. They told me about the growth. Our new strategic innovation fund would attract, support, balance and the expense of caring for their young children while at and grow Canadian businesses in dynamic and emerging sectors the same time caring for their elderly parents, and making sure that through an investment of $1.26 billion over five years. In the face of our seniors have what they need to lead a good quality of life. national opportunity and growing global competition, this is a I also heard about my constituents' ambitions, the ones that have strategic, focused, and bold investment in the future of our economy. propelled Markham ahead to making it one of the most diverse, dynamic, and fastest-growing communities in Canada. The riding of Markham—Thornhill is a leader in innovation, with GM's new Our government is also working hard to make significant autonomous and connected car centre, or IBM's Innovation Space – unprecedented investments in infrastructure. We have more than Markham Convergence Centre that is helping businesses take their doubled our infrastructure commitments to meet Canada's most new technologies to global markets. There are also Canadian urgent needs. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12427

Government Orders Our infrastructure plan provides for investments in projects that Finally, our government has shown that it recognizes the will transform communities for the 21st century. We are aware of the importance of young Canadians. With this in mind, I look forward risks and costs associated with underfunding of infrastructure. Those to forming a youth council to bring together the diverse and talented risks and costs are significant. That is why our budget is the next step youth in Markham—Thornhill. Our government understands that the in our plan to make wise investments that will promote the growth of path to a brighter future begins by giving all Canadians the tools they our economy and strengthen the middle class. need to learn, retrain, discover, and embrace the future. ● (1305) Budget 2017 supports the facets of our country that make us [Translation] unique and strong. The investments in innovation, infrastructure, transit, and seniors provide the tools for our country to be successful We believe that decisions made at the local level are very in the future. This is a forward-looking budget, one that I think we important and we want to support municipalities so they can meet could all get behind. I am proud to support it. their infrastructure priorities. Mr. Blaine Calkins (Red Deer—Lacombe, CPC): Mr. Speaker, [English] I was very interested to listen to my hon. colleague's speech. I thought, given her past experience as the director of appointments Beyond investments in infrastructure, one of the issues raised for the Liberal Party of Canada, she would have spoken to some of most frequently by residents in my riding is public transit. We know the aspects facing the current Liberal government, the ethics that public transit is the lifeblood of a thriving city. Whether it is appointment process and the funding related to that process. She widening the GO train from Milliken to Union Station, or taking the did not do so. Viva, or connecting to the TTC from Markham transit, fast, efficient, Canadians, I think are rightly concerned that five of the eight and reliable public transit is essential. That is why budget 2017 oversight bodies for Parliament right now, including the Ethics would provide an investment of $20.1 billion for public transit Commissioner, the Commissioner of Lobbying, the Information projects over the next 11 years. This is real change that would make Commissioner, the Chief Electoral Officer, and the Commissioner of a difference in the lives of the people in Markham—Thornhill and Official Languages are all sitting vacant right now. Over 50% of across our country. those positions are now vacant. There does not appear to be a I am also very proud to be a part of a government that believes in process, and furthermore there does not appear to be anybody even the necessity of effective and high-quality care for Canadian seniors. interested in applying for these jobs, given the botched way that the We recognize the need to address the issues of seniors, and have electoral reform was handled, the botched way that the appointment taken action to improve the quality of life for our seniors. Budget of Madeleine Meilleur was handled. 2017 includes important investments in supports for an aging My question for my hon. colleague is, how much is in the budget population to help our seniors and to give them the respect they for the Liberal patronage appointment class and those Liberals deserve. I know how important this is for my riding and for the working hard to join it? people in Markham—Thornhill. That is why we are improving access to home care by investing $6 billion over 10 years so that ● (1310) Canadians can stay in their homes well into their retirement. Ms. Mary Ng: Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that the government has an open, new, transparent, merit-based appointment We are also investing $2.3 billion over two years to provide more process, but what we are here to talk about today, what I am here to affordable housing options. This investment will improve housing talk about today, is the budget. conditions for seniors, especially senior women living alone. This builds on the work already done by our government to increase the I am in support of the budget and I am thrilled that the budget is guaranteed income supplement top-up benefit to boost support for going to make the kinds of investments that I have heard about from our most vulnerable seniors. many of my constituents in Markham—Thornhill. I have heard from thousands of families about what they need for transit, what they In addition, this budget would also help improve the lives of new need for infrastructure, what they need for support for seniors. In this Canadians. Many of our new immigrants are highly skilled and budget we are going to deliver for Canadians. We are going to highly educated. They want to put their talents to use and to deliver jobs for Canadians, those living in Markham—Thornhill and contribute to building our great country. However, many times those across the country. I am incredibly proud to support budget highly skilled and educated immigrants face barriers that limit their 2017. employment opportunities once they arrive in Canada. Our Mr. Gord Johns (Courtenay—Alberni, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the government recognizes these barriers as a problem. With this hon. member talks about growing the economy and being budget, we are doing something about it. innovative, and I appreciate those comments. This budget proposes to allocate $27.5 million over five years In their budget last year, the Liberals removed a 25% tariff to build starting this year, and $5.5 million per year thereafter, to support our ferries in Canada that even the Harper government would not targeted employment strategy for newcomers. Our plan would remove. They removed it because they knew how important it was, improve pre-arrival supports for newcomers so that the process to as a marine nation, to build ferries here in Canada. The government recognize their foreign credentials can begin before they arrive in decided to remove that barrier because the Canadian Ferry Canada. This ambitious program would break down the barriers that Association promised that it would lower rates for ferry users here bright new immigrants face in fully contributing to our economy. in Canada. 12428 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Government Orders That was $118 million in tariffs that went into government coffers I would also like to say that many Canadians will benefit from that could have been invested in communities like Port Alberni and budget 2017. I know that across Nova Scotia and my riding of communities in coastal British Columbia where there is high Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, the youth, seniors, veterans, unemployment. It could have been invested to build capacity to build tradesmen, and new Canadians will benefit. Canadians all across boats in Canada. this country will benefit.

The government claimed that shipyards were at capacity, I want to talk about budget 2016 and the two things that were supporting the Canadian Ferry Association concern, but the truth essential and will continue to benefit Canadians. The first one is the of the matter is that Canadian shipyards are not at capacity. In fact, child care benefit— there are tons of capacity in coastal communities looking for work. ● (1315) The Liberals removed the 25% tariff in last year's budget and $118 million was taken from Canadian taxpayers, but ferry rates did not The Speaker: As I indicated to the hon. member for Sackville— go down. In fact, in British Columbia, that did not get passed on to Preston—Chezzetcook before he began, he only had one minute for consumers. It went into the pockets of the contractors who had the his remarks. contracts to build our boats in Poland and in Turkey. That is where those jobs are too. When we have the highest unemployment in It being 1:15 p.m., pursuant to an order made Monday, June 5, it is southwestern British Columbia, the government failed British my duty to interrupt the proceedings and put forthwith every Columbians, failed coastal people, and failed the shipbuilding question necessary to dispose of the third reading stage of the bill industry here in Canada. now before the House. Ms. Mary Ng: Mr. Speaker, we are here today to talk about the budget, and I am really proud to support this budget. If passed, it will The question is on the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to begin to work for Canadians. We are committed to historic adopt the motion? investments in infrastructure that will create great jobs for middle- class Canadians and those who are seeking to join it. Some hon. members: Agreed. Ms. Kim Rudd (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about jobs. Some hon. members: No. Just today, another 77,000 jobs were announced, and that tells me that what we are doing is working. The economy has grown by over The Speaker: All those in favour of the motion will please say a quarter of a million jobs in the last eight months. I wonder if the yea. member opposite could expand on what we are doing that is helping to promote that job growth. Some hon. members: Yea.

Ms. Mary Ng: Mr. Speaker, budget 2017 is our government's The Speaker: All those opposed will please say nay. ambitious plan to make smart investments that will create jobs, grow our economy, and provide more opportunities for the middle class Some hon. members: Nay. and those working hard to join it. We are going to put Canada's skilled, talented, and creative people right at the heart of a more innovative future economy, and that is going to create jobs for today The Speaker: In my opinion the yeas have it. and for the future. I am proud of this budget. And five or more members having risen: [Translation] The Speaker: Resuming debate. Unfortunately, the hon. member The Speaker: Pursuant to an order made Tuesday, May 30, the for Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook has but one minute left before division stands deferred until Monday, June 12, at the expiry of the I have to put the motion. time provided for oral questions. The hon. member for Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook. Mr. Darrell Samson (Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, Lib.): Mr. Kevin Lamoureux: Mr. Speaker, I suspect if you were to Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C-44, our canvass the House, you would find unanimous consent to see the budget's implementation act. clock at 1:30, so that we can get started on private members' [English] business. The best way to draw a nice picture is that this a continuation of The Speaker: Is it agreed? last year's budget 2016, where we are seeing a focus again on the middle class and those working hard to join it. It is impressive to see Some hon. members: Agreed. the new jobs as the economy continues to grow. It was announced just this morning that there were another 50,000-plus new good- The Speaker: It being 1:30 p.m., the House will now proceed to paying jobs for middle-class Canadians. That is extremely the consideration of private members' business as listed on today's impressive. Order Paper. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12429

Private Members’ Business PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BUSINESS Canadian media organizations to condemn the wiretapping of journalists and to defend press freedom in this country. I would [Translation] like to thank my colleague from the riding of Beloeil—Chambly, JOURNALISTIC SOURCES PROTECTION ACT who is standing up for press freedom and the protection of journalistic sources. The House resumed from May 11 consideration of the motion that Bill S-231, An Act to amend the Canada Evidence Act and the Where are the Liberals? The situation is troubling. The Liberal Criminal Code (protection of journalistic sources), be read the government is always shirking its responsibilities. Internationally, second time and referred to a committee. we see that nothing is being done to bring home Raif Badawi, who Mr. Gérard Deltell (Louis-Saint-Laurent, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I has been confined and mistreated since 2012 in Saudi prisons. seek unanimous consent to move the following motion: Nothing is happening here at home either. Once again, Canadian That, notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, the citizens cannot count on their government to take the appropriate motion for second reading of S-231, An Act to amend the Canada Evidence Act and action. the Criminal Code (protection of journalistic sources), be amended by deleting the words “Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights” and by substituting the Considering how often the Prime Minister makes grand words “Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security”. pronouncements about freedom of the press, I would like to know The Speaker: Does the hon. member for Louis-Saint-Laurent why this bill came from the Senate, not from the government. have the unanimous consent of the House to move the motion? Protecting people takes more than just good intentions. Our journalists and their sources risk their jobs and sometimes their Some hon. members: Agreed. lives to supply us with reliable information on matters of public The Speaker: The House has heard the terms of the motion. Is it interest. This is a serious issue that calls for serious action now. the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Media in my riding are doing outstanding work. Our newspapers, Some hon. members: Agreed. Le Courrier de Saint-Hyacinthe, Le Clairon, Journal Mobiles, and (Motion agreed to) La Pensée de Bagot, and our radio stations, Boom Montérégie and Radio Acton, as well as our television stations, CogecoTV Saint- The Speaker: Resuming debate. The hon. member for Saint- Hyacinthe, Maskatel, and Cooptel, are doing great work. I know Hyacinthe—Bagot. them all well, I have worked with them, and I know they do top- Ms. Brigitte Sansoucy (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, NDP): Mr. notch work on the ground that our entire region is proud of. Every Speaker, I am rising in the House today to speak about and defend day, women and men across Canada work to keep us informed about freedom of the press. I thank the sponsor of the bill, which I will what is going on in Quebec, Canada, and the world. That includes support. journalists, but it also includes sources, who often reveal vital information on matters of public interest. Canada has dropped 14 points in the World Press Freedom Index in two years, since the Liberals took office. This is alarming, and it is Unfortunately, this reporting could be threatened if nothing is time to act. done to maintain the bonds of trust between journalists and their sources and to protect the confidentiality of these sources. Le Protecting the freedom of the press, particularly a journalist’s Courrier de Saint-Hyacinthe, in print since 1853, is the oldest confidential sources, is vitally important, which is why I am standing French newspaper in America. Many residents of Saint-Hyacinthe in support of the intentions of this bill. However, I do have a few read it, and they recognize the quality and reliability of the regrets about certain aspects of it. information in that newspaper and other local media. How can media Today we live in a connected world, in an era with a variety of consumers feel confident that they are well informed, knowing that platforms and social networks. The concept of media must evolve print journalists are possibly being spied on by their own with the new information distribution channels and new journalistic government? It is time we legislate to protect journalists' confidential practices. We should go with a broad definition of what a journalist sources and to change the way surveillance warrants are issued. is. We need to leave it up to judges to decide whether an individual was acting as a journalist or not when a disclosure request is Under this bill, a justice of the peace will no longer have the received. authority to issue search warrants to investigate a journalist. Only a Superior Court judge would be authorized to do so, under certain I am concerned to see that the Senate committee narrowly limited conditions. This represents major progress that will provide the definition, since it is unacceptable that protection of journalistic journalists with assurances that a search warrant really is the last sources be given only to the traditional media. I am certain that many resort. journalists are doing a tremendous job outside of conventional media. The NDP will therefore be submitting an amendment in ● (1320) committee to restore the definition of “journalist” that was in the original version of the bill. I would also like the Minister of Public Safety to call a public inquiry as soon as possible to get to the bottom of the issue of The NDP has always been on the side of the media against attacks journalists under surveillance by the RCMP and other federal on their independence and has always defended press freedom. The security agencies. There have been repeated incidents for many years NDP was there, on November 16, at a press conference with major now. 12430 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Private Members’ Business In 2007, La Presse journalist Joël-Denis Bellavance was under as an MP. I appreciate the fact that our local media can be critical of surveillance by the RCMP, which is completely unacceptable, and our work. I appreciate how they act as watchdogs and keep abreast his is not the only one. In October 2016, La Presse revealed that of the issues. journalist Patrick Lagacé had also been under surveillance, this time by the Montreal police. That came as no surprise given that 98% of Much of their work is in the public interest. They make sure that applications for a warrant to investigate a journalist submitted by the we spend public money appropriately and that the people's interests police to a justice of the peace were granted. I think these repeated are properly represented. Their questions might make us squirm scandals raise some very serious questions about the state of freedom sometimes, but they are important for our democracy. As I often said of the press and democracy in this country. to my fellow municipal councillors, those looking for subservient On November 4, 2016, after the attacks on the freedom of the media should move to a dictatorship. press in Quebec had come to light, I asked the Minister of Public Safety in the House to tell us exactly how many journalists are being ● (1325) spied on. At that time, the minister said that this was not happening at the federal level. Protecting our journalists is important.

Why then did the government not immediately launch a public Mr. Bernard Généreux (Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska inquiry in order to shed some light on the RCMP's practices —Rivière-du-Loup, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise regarding journalists? After all of the attacks on the freedom of the in the House to speak to Bill C-231, which was introduced by my press that have occurred in recent years, Canadians have the right to colleague, Senator Carignan, who did an exceptional job as call the government to account. opposition leader in the upper house for our party. Mr. Carignan is We need to determine the extent of the problem and establish new from the Montreal region, so he is very familiar with what is going safeguards to prevent this sort of thing from happening again. I on in the media sector in our greater metropolitan area. would also like to talk about Ben Makuch, a journalist for VICE, who could go to prison because he is refusing to reveal his sources to I am also glad that the government decided to support this bill, the RCMP. In the bill that we are examining today, there is a which is so important for our democracy. provision that allows journalists to refuse to disclose information if they believe that the confidentiality of their source would be Last year, like many Quebeckers, I was shocked to learn that threatened. This represents some progress toward stronger protec- police forces, whose job is to protect us, had a number of journalists tions for our journalists and their sources. under surveillance. Naturally, I have a lot of admiration for this We can no longer keep count of the scandals that have been country's police forces and law enforcement agencies, whose uncovered here in Canada and around the world because of members, for the most part, choose to work in policing because anonymous yet highly credible sources. For journalists to be able they want to keep us safe and protect our families and our rights. For to investigate freely, they have to be allowed to gain the trust of their them, it is a matter of principle, honour, and ensuring a healthy sources. Establishing this trust becomes impossible for journalists if democracy. they are forced to disclose information that might jeopardize the confidentiality of their sources. We need to ensure that our law enforcement officers continue to serve all Canadians, rather than just one branch of a political office, Freedom of the press is everyone's business. It is a non-partisan whether it be that of a mayor or MP. We need to avoid the issue because it is a pillar of our democracy. To ensure this freedom, embarrassments we have seen over the past few years, and still journalists working coast to coast to provide quality information to recently, in certain regions of Canada. the public need assurances that they will not be under surveillance. This means that their confidential sources have to be protected. We are not a Communist country like China or Cuba, despite our Every journalist needs to be able to investigate without fear of Prime Minister's willingness to sing the praises of some of their being watched or wiretapped. Bill S-231 is an improvement, but leaders. One thing is certain; Canada is a democratic country. In a does not quite go as far as I had initially hoped, including in country like ours, everyone should ensure maximum freedom of providing a broader definition of media. expression so that the rights of all Canadians are protected. This bill has the support of journalists associations across the country, of Canada's major media outlets, and lawyers who The resources available to the state, especially when it comes to specialize in media law, as well as the Barreau du Québec. The surveillance and wiretapping, are supposed to be used only in government cannot vote against this bill. For far too long, it has been situations where they are deemed essential, specifically in order to avoiding the issue and trying to shirk its responsibilities. Soon we thwart an attack that is imminent or in the works. The fact that an will see whether the Liberals are the valiant defenders of freedom of employee working for a municipal, provincial, or federal govern- the press that they claim to be or whether this was just more rhetoric. ment wants to blow the whistle on an embarrassing situation is clearly not a matter of national security that would require police As I said, my region is home to the oldest French-language forces to set aside important investigations to sound the alarm. That newspaper in America, and we are very proud of it. I have been in is what we believe on this side of the House, and of course all parties office for several years now, first as a municipal councillor and now agree on this. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12431

Private Members’ Business The most blatant example in Canadian history is that of the supply information that may move certain matters forward or even Gomery commission. Journalist Daniel Leblanc from The Globe and allow all the facts to come to light, as the Gomery commission did. Mail uncovered a story that caused quite an uproar and ended with Sources often prefer to supply information anonymously to a the investigation that we are all familiar with today. The whole thing journalist, as journalists are neutral and not tied to any particular started with an informer known as “Ma Chouette”. We never found political party. That makes it possible for them to speak freely, which out the person's real name because Mr. Leblanc went so far as to go is not always the case. to court to protect his journalistic sources. This helped Canadian society to make significant advances. The government has boasted for a year and a half about being It is therefore essential that we be able to protect those people. open and transparent. Transparency is not creating a website where Senator Carignan, who sponsored this bill, was aware of the people can enter their name. Over time it was revealed that Ms. importance of striking a balance so as not to create a free-for-all Meilleur made contributions to the Liberal Party. There were still where government secrets would be leaked in violation of the law. some dots to connect, however. As more time passed, we became aware of mounting evidence pointing towards the fact that this was It is important to point out that this bill still allows the courts to indeed a partisan appointment. There was still more digging to do. authorize the disclosure of information, even if they do so only in rare cases where the public interest in the administration of justice outweighs the public interest in protecting confidentiality. Under The press' role is to question, investigate and ensure that clause 39 of the bill, the court must take into account the following governments at all levels respect their commitment to openness and three factors: the essential role of the information in the proceeding, transparency. Without the press, Canadians may not have become freedom of the press, and the impact of disclosure on the journalistic aware of scandals such as the sponsorship scandal, the Prime source. Minister's wheeling and dealing, cash-for-access fundraisers, or Judges are required to think carefully before issuing wiretap partisan appointments such as that of Ms. Meilleur. warrants, and obtaining such warrants will not be a mere formality that is automatically rubber-stamped. Judges cannot issue such Despite Liberal promises to be open and transparent, warrants unless they are absolutely necessary. Ms. Suzanne Legault, the Information Commissioner, concluded in The Chamberland commission on the wiretapping of journalists is her report yesterday that government is more secretive than ever. currently under way in Quebec, and it is causing quite the stir. ● (1330) I am pleased to support this bill, which recognizes the importance This is further proof that the bill must be passed, so that all of of journalists and sets clear safeguards to prevent the government these things can change and that journalists are able to conduct the from pushing too far with the powers that Canadians have given it. necessary investigations to advance democracy. That said, as he acknowledged himself before the Chamberland I would also like to note, as my colleague from the NDP has just commission this week, the officer responsible for wiretaps in the done, that there are also local media venues in our ridings. The local case of Mr. Lagacé, of La Presse, acknowledged that despite the lack community media can also receive information in a neutral manner. I of urgency, he had no trouble obtaining a wiretapping warrant. Had would like to list them: on radio, there is CIEL FM in Rivère-du- Bill S-231 already been in place at the time, things would have Loup, CHOX FM in La Pocatière, and CIQI FM in Montmagny. For played out entirely differently, and for the better. newspapers, there is Le Placoteux, Info Dimanche and Journal L’Oie Blanche. On television there is CIMT and CMATV. I am firmly I would like to reiterate that freedom of the press is fundamental convinced that all these communications networks allow for better in a free and democratic society such as ours. The press' role is to democracy. I support them and I would ask them to continue their question, to investigate and to ensure that governments at all levels good work. We need them, as they are essential to Canadian respect their commitment to openness and transparency. Incidentally, democracy. I would like to digress for a moment by touching on the events, starting last week, that led to the withdrawal of Ms. Meilleur's candidacy this week for the position of Commissioner of Official ● (1335) Languages. Mr. Marco Mendicino (Parliamentary Secretary to the MPs and journalists alike worked on this file. Journalists Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Lib.): Mr. uncovered the facts and presented them to us. Certain individuals, Speaker, today, I would like to advise my colleagues of the some under the cover of anonymity, spoke to journalists and government’s position regarding this important debate on Bill S-231 expressed reservations about Ms. Meilleur’s appointment. Not only , the journalistic sources protection act. did this spark controversy, but it also prompted us elected representatives to action. Though people would not necessarily have contacted us directly, they were comfortable enough talking to It is an issue that affects all Canadians. Since this discussion is journalists, who then publish the news in a neutral way. Neutrality is taking place at a time when the media is under attack in certain parts very important. We all have our contacts and our networks, that is of the world, it is important to highlight their essential role in the nature of politics, but I think that people will still regularly protecting our freedoms and our democracy. 12432 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Private Members’ Business [English] [English]

Last October, it was made known to the public through the media This is important to note, because when Parliament enacts laws, it that several media outlets and journalists were the targets of police is codifying strict practices that will frame an issue, and as a result, surveillance in Quebec. Although a journalist, just like any other supplant the common law. This is why it is important that whatever Canadian, can be the subject of a criminal investigation, what the legislative change we enact in the name of journalistic protection, it public and parliamentarians were most concerned about was the must further protect journalists and their sources and not weaken possibility of the media being surveilled to identify their sources in a them. context where it was not evident that the criminality of the journalists was in question. In relation to the Canada Evidence Act amendments, the bill seeks to create a unique regime, applicable any time the media wish It is clear that such conduct is profoundly troubling, as it has a to protect a journalistic source. However, there are some problems potential chilling effect on the willingness of whistle-blowers to relating to this new regime. In clause 2 of the bill, one of the factors come forward with their stories. Whistle-blowers are often the only listed, in proposed subparagraph 39.1(8)(b)(i), is the “essential role source for uncovering systemic corruption and other issues that of the information or document to the proceeding”. undermine our democracy. ● (1340) Our government is concerned that the reference to “essential” [Translation] could impede the administration of justice in some cases, as it may be unknown at the outset of a proceeding whether a piece of As a result of that incident, the Government of Quebec acted information or a document is essential. Requiring consideration of quickly and amended its guidelines and protections for obtaining the “importance” of the information or document would still be warrants against journalists. within the spirit of the bill but would provide the court with greater To that end, it put them in the same group as lawyers, judges, and latitude to make its determination. members of the National Assembly, for whom additional guarantees and special protocols for obtaining warrants apply. Next, the new condition added by the Senate at committee, proposed paragraph 39.1(8)(c), “due consideration was given to all The Government of Quebec also established a commission of means of disclosure that would preserve the identity of the inquiry to look into the issue. The commission should conclude its journalistic source”, is a valuable addition, even if a document is hearings by the end of the month. admissible. This condition will always be met, which will weaken the privilege. As such, our government believes that this new In light of these events, two bills were introduced in Parliament on condition should be moved to a separate section such that it is not a the issue of privilege concerning journalistic sources. Today we are condition of admissibility but rather a step the decision-maker must debating the merits of the bill from the Hon. Senator Claude undertake once information is admissible. This is expected to Carignan, sponsored in the House by my colleague, the member for strengthen the protection of journalistic sources. Louis Saint Laurent. [English] Finally, the bill proposes an override provision that would give the provisions of the bill supremacy over any other provision of the act Our government believes that the overall objective of the bill, to or any other act of Parliament. This provision is not only ensure that the protection of journalistic sources is given due unnecessary for the proper operation of this new scheme but raises consideration whenever they are at issue in Canadian courts, is significant legal and policy issues. It is wholly unclear how this laudable. This initiative transcends political lines. On that note, we override would affect other laws, including those that relate to would like to thank Senator Carignan, as well as all the other privacy and national security. As Parliament believes that every law senators who worked so tirelessly and passionately on this important it passes is important, override clauses should be used sparingly. bipartisan initiative. That is why we are proud to support Bill S-231, all the while proposing certain amendments that will not only ● (1345) address certain legal and policy concerns that have been voiced but [Translation] will help it better meet its objective. [Translation] With regard to clauses affecting the Criminal Code, we need to look at how investigative tools such as search warrants and This issue is clearly very important, but it must be noted that the production orders can be issued and executed when they relate to jurisprudence on confidential sources is very complex. journalists. Although the purpose of these proposals is to protect The current laws have been referred to the Supreme Court of journalistic sources, the procedure in the bill would apply the Canada for consideration of the very issues addressed by the bill we moment a journalist becomes the subject of an investigative tool are debating. even if the journalist is the subject of a criminal investigation. At this time, the protections afforded to journalists and their The bill also proposes a triage procedure that requires the gathered sources have been upheld over the evolution of common law, in evidence to be sealed and reviewed by a court before the information other words, in this context, the jurisprudence that interpreted the can be disclosed to police. It is important to note that the bill says freedoms granted by the charter and the legislative framework only a superior court judge shall authorize the use of an investigative consisting of the Canada Evidence Act and the Criminal Code. tool on a journalist. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12433

Private Members’ Business [English] committed to Canada and to becoming a journalist who could tell very important stories for coastal people. Like the proposed amendments to the Canada Evidence Act, our government is of the view that these proposed Criminal Code As a journalist, he started the local paper, telling our stories, and amendments raise some discreet legal and policy issues. moved up to become the Alberni Valley Times reporter and editor. The fact that the new regime would apply even in cases where a Then he went down to Peninsula Daily News, and then over to Port journalist is suspected of criminal activity was a major concern of Angeles, Washington, before he got sick. Then he started his own Senator Vernon White at the Senate committee, and our government paper, the westcoaster.ca, and started telling a very important story, remains concerned that it was not adequately addressed by the the west coast story, to make sure that people across our country Senate. heard our story. When Keven got sick, he was on the way up in his career, and he went to work for The Canadian Press so he could be Our government does not suggest that a confidential journalistic close to the hospitals in Vancouver. source should lose his or her protection in this context. As such, we propose that the additional conditions for the attainment of a warrant Wherever Keven was, he would stop to hear what was happening would not apply in cases where the journalists themselves are in our communities. His late father or his mother, Louise, would be suspected of criminal activity, but the sealing order provisions would with him, who are very proud of Keven, or his wife Yvette and kids still apply to protect the source. Tristan and Elleree. Keven always made time to hear our important stories. His priorities were to ensure that in the stories of coastal The other policy question arises because the new regime seems to people, stories about economic justice and social justice and apply each and every time a journalist is implicated, even when the environmental justice and indigenous people's rights were included. police are not aware that the target is a journalist. Our government Some of the stories were difficult and painful. does not believe this was the intention of the bill, but the fact remains that it could lead to court challenges where police subsequently discover they are investigating a journalist but were Keven interviewed me many times, and I always respected his not aware at the time of the application. Making it clear that the sources. I respected that he had to protect his sources so that he could regime would only apply when the police know or reasonably ought get the story right. He covered really bad accidents, suicides, to have known that the target is a journalist, and creating a process corruption, and scandals, really difficult stories to cover. It was the whereby the police could inform the court when they become aware confidentiality that earned Keven the respect that he deserved, and that the target is a journalist, would make the scheme much more he could cover all of these difficult issues. I acknowledge journalists workable. across our country for the passion and caring that they have to make sure they get it right and build trust within communities. Lastly, the bill also provides for an override clause with respect to the Criminal Code provisions. This is not a situation that needs an Before I dive into the rest of my speech, I want to thank Keven. I override clause, yet there is the real potential for conflicts with other know a lot of people have gone back to their ridings and I appreciate acts. Most notably, it would prevent the police from acting in exigent that, but I would ask members to join me in acknowledging this great circumstances, which may include ongoing terrorist activities or man, who fought for journalism, people in our communities, and our attacks where the perpetrators use the media to increase their country. exposure. One of the biggest challenges for journalists and the journalism I ask all members in the chamber and in the other House to profession in general is trust, as I touched on. In a changing media support the bill for all of the reasons that I have identified, as well as landscape where clicks and views have become its currency, the the amendments the government is proposing to improve upon it. public's trust in journalism has eroded. In this environment, probing Mr. Gord Johns (Courtenay—Alberni, NDP): Mr. Speaker, it is investigative journalism has become all that much more important. an honour to rise today on Bill S-231, an act to amend the Canada This is the kind of journalism that we not only need to celebrate but Evidence Act and the Criminal Code. I would first like to thank the also rigorously protect. member for Louis-Saint-Laurent for bringing forward this bill. He was an esteemed journalist in his past life and knows this very well. Along with developing trust with the public through their hard As I was preparing my thoughts on this bill today, I was hoping to work, it is also vital for journalists to develop trust with their talk about a friend of mine, a local reporter on Vancouver Island, sources. Many of these sources need to speak with anonymity. If Keven Drews. Keven has been a pillar of journalism on Vancouver sources feel their communication with the journalist could Island and the west coast for over 20 years. He has shown me what compromise them, those sources will dry up. Bill S-231 aims to strong, unflinching journalism looks like. Unfortunately, Keven is protect these journalists and the sources they rely upon to create the fighting a brutal 10-year battle with cancer. He is in the hospital powerful, well-founded journalism we deserve here in Canada. If we today and watching us talk about this very important bill. I am want to sustain our free and independent press, the protections that certain he would be happy to know that we are here fighting for this bill provides are necessary. freedom of speech and journalists. This bill was introduced in the House on May 3, which was The first time I met Keven, and it is hard to believe, I met him fitting, as it was World Press Freedom Day. On that day, the Prime surfing. I was in Tofino and he was a cadet, a real, true Canadian Minister released a statement, which stated: 12434 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Private Members’ Business Today, we recognize the many journalists who seek out the truth, challenge particularly concerned that small news outlets and freelance writers assumptions and expose injustices, often at great personal risk. They are the may still be forced to self-censor or risk entering into an extended cornerstones of any strong and healthy democracy, informing and challenging us all to think more critically about the world around us. legal battle, which remains something few can afford. In 2009-10, The Globe and Mail spent almost a million dollars in legal fees to I cannot agree more with the sentiment of the Prime Minister's protect one of its sources, and this kind of expense cannot be statement last month. The government needs to move past well- expected of local media outlets. meaning platitudes, though, and pass legislation that grants journal- ists and their sources the protections they need to pursue difficult Another concern I have is the limited definition of journalist in the stories. bill's current form. I hope that as this bill reaches the House ● (1350) committee, this language is scrutinized. There is a serious problem if size rather than substance limits the inclusion of publications in the The government needs to clear the way on these reforms. I cannot scope of this bill. Bill S-231 is a strong first step, but it is clear that understand why it remains silent while reporters are prosecuted. If more can be done to reflect the enormity of the media landscape in the Prime Minister wants to continue to label himself a champion of this day and age. the free press, now is the time to prove that claim. The Liberals have yet to act upon Bill C-51 and the threat to free speech it poses for journalists, but support for this bill would be a great step in the right One of the strongest parts of this legislation is the paradigm shift direction. To this point, it is worth noting that in 2015, Canada the bill would provide at the beginning of a police investigation. ranked 10th in the World Press Freedom Index, and this year we From the beginning of an investigation, it sets out checks and have slid to 22nd in the world. We can and need to do better. balances in the judicial process to weigh journalistic integrity against public safety. Journalist advocates provided during warrant requests The World Press Freedom Index cited four items that caused our could lend their expert knowledge and mediate between police rank to drop. One was the revelation that Montreal police tailed a La forces and judges. This would make sure the onus was on the Presse journalist in an attempt to uncover a leak from their own agencies to prove the need to investigate these journalists. source. Second, the RCMP is prosecuting a Vice media journalist who has been charged with refusing to give up his direct documents The bill would also amend the Criminal Code to no longer give a to RCMP officers and could be sentenced to up to 10 years for justice of the peace the authority to issue a search warrant relating to withholding these documents. Third, a journalist for TheIndepen- a journalist. Only a judge in a superior court would be able to issue a dent.ca is being charged by the RCMP for his reporting on a protest search warrant, under certain conditions that would provide at the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project in Labrador. He followed maximum protection to journalists' right to the confidentiality of protestors to bear witness to the protest, and he was prosecuted for their sources. This is a wise change. The journalists I have this action. Finally, there is our lack of a shield law for journalists mentioned have been charged with serious crimes, with the potential and their sources. for significant jail time if they are convicted. Going forward, we The first three examples are offensive, overreaching actions, and need the experience and knowledge of our most seasoned judges in these cases need to be resolved. The importance of a shield law for these cases from the very beginning. Canada falls to us to accomplish and would help to stop injustices such as these from occurring in the future. We need to follow the This bill needs to be a true shield and not a hurdle to be navigated examples of countries such as Australia, France, Germany, and the around. We have a duty to support journalists and freedom of speech United Kingdom in developing a shield law. in this country. Democracy is at its best when journalists are free to do their job without fear of reverberation. My New Democrat I would like to take a moment to speak to some of these cases. In colleagues and I will stand by those who make our country strong the cases of the Vice reporter and TheIndependent.ca's journalist, with an independent free press. both filed stories that will be vital evidence for police in other cases, so it baffles me that journalists acting in the public interest and ● (1355) assisting the public in an invaluable way are then being prosecuted for doing that work. This is a short-sighted approach by police, as it The Speaker: I am sure the hearts and prayers of all members are will make journalists consider what stories they pursue in the future. with the hon. member's friend, Keven. It pushes directly against the rights of these individuals and their protection from self-incrimination. Journalists and the media are not Mr. Arnold Viersen (Peace River—Westlock, CPC): Mr. accountable to the government. Strong-arm tactics such as these are Speaker, it is my pleasure to also rise today to speak to Bill the sorts of measures that break down free speech. S-231. I would like to begin by thanking my colleague, the member for Louis-Saint-Laurent, for recognizing the importance of this issue I am glad to stand with my colleagues from other parties to and supporting the bill from the other place. advocate for this legislation. This is not a partisan issue. This is an issue of freedom of speech and our democracy, and I think we can all see that. I hope that the government comes to see this as well and Today, we are speaking about a bill that cuts to the very heart of supports this bill. democracy: freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Those are two concepts that every good and flourishing democracy must Bill S-231 is a well-meaning piece of legislation. However, I still uphold. This is imperative and I see the importance of the need to have reservations about its scope in the bill's current form. I am bring this forward today. June 9, 2017 COMMONS DEBATES 12435

Private Members’ Business One of the reasons these two principles, freedom of the press and the backlash or impact that could happen to the person who is freedom of speech, are important is that we are in the pursuit of truth. bringing it forward. Our society, western democracy, is always predicated on the pursuit of truth. Truth, typically, needs no defence, but it does need to be I would like to bring forward the case of a whistle-blower. Dr. brought into the light in that we need to see what the truth is. Chopra, a Health Canada scientist, was pressured in the 1990s to As parliamentarians, we have a duty to protect the public and to approve bovine growth hormone as a veterinarian drug. He had reduce public health and safety risks by ensuring that everyone concerns about this drug. Despite his concerns, the pressure to allow knows what the truth is. That can only be found out in certain ways this drug to go forward continued, and the pressure was immense. He because there are forces in the world that want to limit the truth. could not make headway within the organization, so he went public They want to hide the truth. Exposing truth can only be done when with it and was immediately fired. However, under the bill before us, private citizens engage in a public discourse to bring the truth to Dr. Chopra would have been allowed to go to a journalist, go public, light. Sometimes the truth is ugly. Sometimes it is not something and be more anonymous about it. everyone wants known. However, in a lot of cases, when the truth is brought out into the light, we can then make appropriate decisions It is people like Dr. Chopra, who put their livelihoods on the line that will make our communities and society better. for the moral good in the pursuit of truth, that the bill would help protect. It would also ensure that we have a society that has all the That is why, in the defence of truth, we need to ensure that sources information it needs to make important decisions. are able to bring forward the truth, and to do that with some anonymity, to ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, because if we can stifle truth, we will make decisions based on false Specifically in this place, we make a lot of decisions that, in some information. We will make decisions that are based on misinforma- cases, could be a life and death situation. Therefore, we need to have tion that will then have significant ramifications down the road. The all the information when we are making decisions, and the pursuit of truth must be brought forward. It must be unbiased, and our truth is an immensely important aspect of that. decisions should not be driven by hidden agendas, whether for profit, prestige, or influence. All these kinds of things can have the Freedom of the press and freedom of speech are the two principles effect of people trying to limit the truth. that we are dealing with today, and behind those two principles is the idea that we pursue truth. Democratic nations in the world typically I am very much in support of the bill. It will improve the recognize that the truth does not need defence. If the truth is brought likelihood of someone bringing the truth forward and approaching a to light, we have to deal with it. Yes, there might be situations where journalist to say, “You should probably know about this. However, if it may be uncomfortable for particular people, but at the end of the I do go public with this my life might be at risk, so I need you to day, if we have that truth, we will be able to flourish and make bring it forward.” proper decisions. Journalists take on some of that risk when they come forward as well. We must commend the journalists that do the hard work of Democratic countries also recognize that there is risk in the bringing truth to light. That is very important. As a society, we must world. We have all heard of situations where somebody noted in always focus on what the truth is. It is not always what we would their particular workplace that there was a danger, but when they like it to be, but it is the truth at the end of the day. Again, I go to the talked to their supervisor or manager, nothing happened. They felt fact that it does not need a defence, but it does need to be brought they wanted a particular thing to change, but if they went public with into the light. it, they would immediately be fired. This would not do any good for the rest of the employees in that business, because that risk or danger Often, sources find themselves in positions of conflict, where the would still be there. However, with a source safety net, such that we release of information could harm the organization they work for or are discussing today, they could go to a journalist, tell their story, and harm the security of their job. If they go forward with information the person would not necessarily be identified. This is a very that could harm their organization or threaten the security of their important component. job, that is to some degree an understandable situation, but we all know situations where accusations have been made and significant things have happened in terms of people's lives being ruined. This is particularly important when it comes to government. If a Therefore, if we could to some degree share the impact of that with government can bury the truth, bury the reality, then it can dictate the rest of society, that would be great. reality to some degree. If we are not pursuing truth, if we can bury the truth, we can rewrite history or rewrite the reality, which is ● (1400) incredibly dangerous when people are making decisions about what In the past, whistle-blowers have been shunned, demoted, type of government they want. We know that propaganda is often a threatened, sued, fired, and their lives have been significantly non-truth or half-truth being put forward as a truth. Therefore, we affected. However, we must commend these people for their pursuit need to ensure that truth is something that we pursue. We need to of truth, for identifying the moral good for society in the pursuit of ensure that we have freedom of speech and freedom of the press in truth. If there is a moral ill that is happening in society and decisions this country in order to be a viable democracy. are being made without a key piece of information being brought to the forefront, it is significant and we must have the ability to bring I am supporting the bill, and I would like to thank the member for that significant piece of information to the forefront and minimize Louis-Saint-Laurent for bringing it forward. 12436 COMMONS DEBATES June 9, 2017

Private Members’ Business ● (1405) speeches. The quality of the arguments the members have tabled was Mr. Gérard Deltell (Louis-Saint-Laurent, CPC): Mr. Speaker, a sometimes better than what we had tabled as the godfathers of this friend of mine used to say, “What a great day to be alive.” That is bill in the House of Commons, so I want to pay my respects, exactly the case today. This is a great day for democracy. This is a especially to the NDP members, who always recognize that freedom great day for the press. This is a great day for freedom of the press. of the press is important. [Translation] We recognize also that in every riding and every locality, there is a We are at second reading of Bill S-231. In my final remarks, I local press to protect. Certainly here in Ottawa we sometimes have la would like to begin by pointing out that we are indeed here debating crème de la crème as journalists, those who cover us, and for sure we this important bill thanks to the efforts of Senator Claude Carignan will be polite with them. However, we also recognize that in every who worked very hard, quickly, and effectively to find a solution to community we have strong journalists, good journalists who work the problem of protecting journalistic sources, in light of the scandal hard, and we think of them when we table this bill. that broke a few months ago. The case of Patrick Lagacé comes to I appreciate the openness of the Liberal Party, of the government, mind, a veteran Quebec journalist who, unfortunately, was put under which tabled some suggestions and some positive amendments, and surveillance by certain police forces, which was absolutely shameful. we welcome the fact that we all worked together on this issue. Senator Carignan worked very efficiently to introduce a bill in the Let me be crystal clear: this is not a partisan issue. This is a real, upper chamber. He managed to win the support and backing of every true Canadian issue. We are here to protect the liberty of the press. press association and to have his bill pass unanimously in the Senate. We are here to protect the liberty of democracy. That is why we He did so in a positive and constructive manner by accepting the tabled this bill and some amendments, and we welcome them. recommendations made by other senators, including Senator André Pratte, who, as everyone knows, is a veteran journalist who now At the end of my speech, I want to say that many of the 338 serves in the upper chamber. Senator Pratte contributed several new, members in this House have been journalists. I have had that positive, and constructive elements to Bill S-231. privilege, and just in the Conservative Party, I count at least 10 members who have been journalists. That is why Canadians have I acknowledge and thank Senator Carignan. I will quickly remind recognized for so many years that the Conservative Party is so the House of the key elements of this bill. media-friendly. First, it serves to protect whistle-blowers, journalists' sources. The [Translation] bill does not protect journalists so much as it protects their sources. This bill also defines exactly what constitutes a journalist. Not The Acting Speaker (Mr. Greg Fergus): I thank the hon. everyone can define themselves as a journalist. We need to clearly member for Louis-Saint-Laurent for his closing remarks. define exactly what constitutes a journalist. The question is on the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to Also, if the police want to conduct a particular investigation, this adopt the motion? must be the last resort and the burden of proof must be reversed. A Superior Court judge will now have to authorize them to investigate, Some hon. members: Agreed. whereas, in the past, they could obtain such authorization from a The Acting Speaker (Mr. Greg Fergus): I declare the motion justice of the peace. carried. Consequently, this bill is referred to the Standing Committee We and Senator Carignan do not believe that was enough. We on Public Safety and National Security. needed to give this approach some teeth, and that is exactly what this (Motion agreed to, bill read the second time and referred to a bill does. committee) ● (1410) The Acting Speaker (Mr. Greg Fergus): It being 2:13 p.m., this [English] House stands adjourned until Monday next at 11 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1). I have listened carefully to all members who have participated in the debate in the last hour. I was very impressed by the quality of the (The House adjourned at 2:13 p.m.)

CONTENTS

Friday, June 9, 2017

Privilege Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada Rights of Non-Recognized Parties Mr. Weir ...... 12407 Mr. Thériault ...... 12397 Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Mr. Doherty ...... 12407 GOVERNMENT ORDERS Business Development Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1 Ms. Rudd ...... 12408 Ms. Qualtrough (for the Minister of Finance) ...... 12398 Bill C-44. Third reading ...... 12398 ORAL QUESTIONS Ms. Petitpas Taylor...... 12398 Foreign Investment Mr. Aboultaif ...... 12400 Mr. Poilievre...... 12408 Ms. Quach...... 12400 Mr. Bains ...... 12408 Mrs. McLeod (Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo)...... 12401 Mr. Poilievre...... 12408 Mr. Johns ...... 12401 Mr. Bains ...... 12408 Mr. Vandal...... 12401 Mr. Poilievre...... 12408 Mr. Clarke ...... 12402 Mr. Bains ...... 12408 Mr. Weir ...... 12404 Mr. Deltell ...... 12408

Mr. Bains ...... 12409 STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS Mr. Deltell ...... 12409

Access to Information Mr. Bains ...... 12409 Mr. Thériault ...... 12404 Mr. Rankin ...... 12409 Events in Ottawa—Vanier Mr. Bains ...... 12409 Ms. Sansoucy...... 12409 Mrs. Fortier...... 12404 Mr. Bains ...... 12409 Mudcat Festival Government Appointments Ms. Finley ...... 12405 Ms. Sansoucy...... 12409

Volunteerism Ms. Chagger...... 12409 ...... Mr. Arya 12405 Mr. Rankin ...... 12410 French Immersion Ms. Chagger...... 12410

Mr. Davies...... 12405 Mr. Brassard ...... 12410 Ms. Chagger...... 12410 Jack Lang Mr. Brassard ...... 12410 Mr. Amos...... 12405 Ms. Chagger...... 12410

Public Safety Mr. Berthold...... 12410

Mr. Waugh...... 12405 Ms. Chagger...... 12410 Mississauga-Lakeshore Constituency Youth Council Mrs. Boucher ...... 12410 Ms. Chagger...... 12411 Mr. Spengemann ...... 12406 Mr. Sorenson ...... 12411 Afghanistan Veterans Ms. Chagger...... 12411 Mr. Bratina ...... 12406 Mr. Sorenson ...... 12411 British North America Act Ms. Chagger...... 12411 Mr. Poilievre...... 12406 Indigenous Affairs Avie Bennett Mr. Saganash ...... 12411

Mr. Vaughan...... 12406 Ms. Jones ...... 12411 Mr. Saganash ...... 12411 Vancouver Quadra Constituency Youth Council Ms. Jones ...... 12412 Ms. Murray ...... 12407 Access to Information Justice System Mr. Kelly ...... 12412 Mr. Berthold...... 12407 Mr. MacKinnon ...... 12412

“Uninterrupted” Arts Installation Mr. Kelly ...... 12412

Mr. Beech ...... 12407 Mr. MacKinnon ...... 12412 Public Safety Mr. Alghabra ...... 12417

Mr. Waugh...... 12412 Mr. Thériault ...... 12417

Mr. Goodale ...... 12412 Mr. Alghabra ...... 12417 Mr. Rayes ...... 12412 Intergovernmental Relations Mr. Goodale ...... 12412 Mr. Thériault ...... 12417 Marijuana Mr. Miller (Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Soeurs) 12417 Ms. Quach...... 12413 Air Transportation Mr. Mendicino...... 12413 Mr. Tootoo ...... 12417 Mr. MacGregor ...... 12413 Mr. Garneau ...... 12417 Mr. Mendicino...... 12413 Presence in Gallery International Development The Speaker ...... 12417 Mr. Iacono ...... 12413 Ms. Bibeau ...... 12413 ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Small Business Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Mrs. Stubbs...... 12413 The Speaker ...... 12417 Ms. Rudd ...... 12413 Mrs. Stubbs...... 12413 Office of the Auditor General of Canada

Mr. Bains ...... 12414 The Speaker ...... 12418 Veterans Affairs International Labour Conference

Mrs. Wagantall ...... 12414 Mr. Cuzner ...... 12418 Mr. Hehr...... 12414 Supporting Vested Rights Under Access to Information Health Act Mr. Carrie ...... 12414 Mr. Goodale ...... 12418 Mr. Lightbound...... 12414 Bill C-52. Introduction and first reading...... 12418 (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and Public Services and Procurement printed) ...... 12418 Ms. Benson...... 12414 Mr. MacKinnon ...... 12414 Committees of the House Government Operations and Estimates Agriculture and Agrifood Mr. Lukiwski ...... 12418 Ms. Brosseau ...... 12415 Health Mr. Poissant ...... 12415 Mr. Casey (Cumberland—Colchester) ...... 12418

Foreign Affairs Ms. Harder ...... 12418 Mr. Reid ...... 12415 Natural Resources

Ms. Freeland ...... 12415 Mr. Maloney...... 12418 Indigenous Affairs Fair, Democratic and Sustainable Trade Act Mrs. McLeod (Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo)...... 12415 Mr. Julian...... 12418 Ms. Jones ...... 12415 Bill C-358. Introduction and first reading ...... 12418 Mrs. McLeod (Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo)...... 12415 (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and Ms. Jones ...... 12415 printed) ...... 12419 Human Rights Petitions Mr. Maloney...... 12415 Palliative Care

Ms. Freeland ...... 12416 Mr. Calkins ...... 12419 Canadian Coast Guard Sex Selection Mr. Doherty ...... 12416 Mr. Calkins ...... 12419 Mr. Beech ...... 12416 Abortion Mr. Calkins ...... 12419 Health Thalidomide Mr. Casey (Cumberland—Colchester) ...... 12416 Mr. Brown...... 12419 Mr. Lightbound...... 12416 Bee Population Regional Economic Development Mr. MacGregor ...... 12419 Mr. Clarke ...... 12416 Labelling of Household Products Mr. Miller (Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Soeurs) 12416 Mr. Thériault ...... 12419 Consular Affairs 150th Anniversary of Confederation Mr. Thériault ...... 12416 Mr. Van Loan...... 12419 Falun Gong Ms. Ng ...... 12426

Mr. Lamoureux ...... 12419 Mr. Calkins ...... 12427

Taxation Mr. Johns ...... 12427 Mr. Schmale ...... 12419 Ms. Rudd ...... 12428

Questions on the Order Paper Mr. Samson...... 12428

Mr. Lamoureux ...... 12420 Division on motion deferred ...... 12428

GOVERNMENT ORDERS PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BUSINESS Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1 Journalistic Sources Protection Act Bill C-44. Third reading ...... 12420 Bill S-231. Second reading ...... 12429 Mr. Blaikie ...... 12420 Mr. Deltell ...... 12429 Mr. Johns ...... 12420 (Motion agreed to) ...... 12429 Mr. Clarke ...... 12420 Ms. Sansoucy...... 12429 Mr. Deltell ...... 12420 Mr. Généreux...... 12430 Mr. Graham ...... 12421 Mr. Lamoureux ...... 12421 Mr. Mendicino...... 12431 Mr. Blaikie ...... 12421 Mr. Johns ...... 12433 Mr. Samson...... 12424 Mr. Viersen ...... 12434

Mr. Waugh...... 12425 Mr. Deltell ...... 12436 Mr. Vandal...... 12425 (Motion agreed to, bill read the second time and referred Ms. Quach...... 12425 to a committee)...... 12436 Published under the authority of the Speaker of Publié en conformité de l’autorité the House of Commons du Président de la Chambre des communes SPEAKER’S PERMISSION PERMISSION DU PRÉSIDENT

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